IPSWICH Town's search for a striker to score the goals to send them soaring into the Premier League continues unabated.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town's search for a striker to score the goals to send them soaring into the Premier League continues unabated.

But Blues boss Jim Magilton today issued a 'be patient' message to concerned Town fans.

There is not expected to be any comings or goings on the transfer front at Portman Road this week, but it does not mean that Magilton is inactive in his pursuit of fresh blood.

Although a keeper is essential - with Richard Wright top of the wanted list - and a defender - most likely an experienced left back - considered a must it is attracting a top line striker that could fashion Town's season.

“We are continuing our search, but it is a case of making sure we sign the right player for Ipswich Town,” said Magilton. “It will pay to be patient.”

The prolific Kevin Phillips, who helped West Brom gain promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship last season, is not on Town's radar.

He would fit the bill perfectly as someone who could net 25 goals despite his career coming to an end.

But he is keen to sign a one-year deal to play in the Premier League with Albion, but if not fellow midland clubs Birmingham and Derby would be more likely to interest him.

Manchester City Elime Mpenza's agent has again been saying that Ipswich are in the running to take the Belgium-born front man, but it is unlikely to happen.

Magilton showed some interest during the January transfer window, but Mpenza is not in the Town manager's sights at the moment.

Crewe's 21-year-old hot shot Nicky Maynard is someone Magilton is very much aware of, but it could well be a foreign player who is brought to Suffolk to take responsibility to score the goals that will take the Blues to the Premier League.

While every player has his price, neither hot properties Owen Garvan nor Danny Haynes are in line to leave Ipswich before the start of the season, and it is likely to be next week before there is any further transfer movement at Portman Road.

Garvan and Alex Bruce have returned from their summer breaks and joined the rest of the Town squad at Loughborough University yesterday. They were both given extra days off because of their involvement with the Republic of Ireland squad.

Richard Naylor and David Norris, both long-term injury victims, were also included in the five-day trip.

The Town party also includes Dean Bowditch, who Magilton is expected to speak to during the week after the Blues offered him a new one-year contract.

Ipswich end their week with a game against Loughborough University side on Friday.

Although John McGreal has been put forward as a strong candidate to join the Blues coaching staff it is certainly not cut and dried that the former Town defender will be making a return to Portman Road.

With the sudden departure of assistant academy manager Steve Greaves last week there could be a vacancy although with the academy coming under more stringent financial control Greaves' position could become redundant.