IPSWICH Town boss Paul Jewell is facing an increasingly difficult battle to keep loanees Keith Andrews and Danny Collins at the club.

Centre-back Collins’ emergency 93-day loan from Stoke City – which has already been extended once due to a loophole in the rules – expires following Saturday’s visit of Derby County, with Town not allowed to renew again until January.

Midfielder Andrews will go back to Blackburn Rovers at the start of the New Year once his standard half-season loan comes to an end.

Both players have said that they don’t expect to have a future at their current employers.

And Jewell is desperate to keep them both at Town – either through a loan extension or via a permanent transfer – following their major contributions to his team.

However, with the duo having accounted for three of the Blues’ five goals during an incredible second half fightback at Barnsley on Saturday – the 5-3 win going out to a Sky Sports audience – a host of top-flight clubs are closely monitoring the situation.

Swansea, Wigan and Norwich have been linked with a move for Republic of Ireland international Andrews – a player who has already scored eight goals this season and been handed the Town captaincy in recent weeks.

And Wolves continue to be mentioned in conjunction with Collins, who may be tempted to find a club nearer his family, who remain up north.

“I would like them both to stay because they have played a big part for us this season,” said Town striker Jason Scotland.

“If they can come back, it would be great.

“Keith has been great at getting into the box and taught me a few things about making late runs.”

Ibrahima Sonko added: “Danny will be a big loss because we’ve done so well together.

“Ivar (Ingimarsson) Damien (Delaney) will be fit again soon though, while Tommy (Smith) can’t wait to get back on the pitch.

“I am sure someone will step up and show they are ready to do a job.”