Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy is prepared to supplement his squad with some top young loan players from the Premier League.

With the Blues having kick-started their pre-season with a 2-0 win at Irish side Shelbourne on Saturday, the Blues boss now has under a month to add new faces – a goalkeeper, centre-back, right-back and winger are wanted – ahead of his side’s opening game of the new Championship season at Reading.

Stage one of McCarthy’s plan – keeping the crux of last season’s squad together – is complete, with the signings of Jay Tabb, Daryl Murphy and David McGoldrick key to maintaining team spirit. Now the goal is to try and land a few more permanent signings in addition to that of Cole Skuse from Bristol City, with the Blues close to finalising a swap deal which would see winger Paul Anderson arrive from Bristol City and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas head in the opposite direction.

And then will come the final flourish – the addition of some top young talent on loan.

McCarthy said last season that he was keen for the club to move away from being largely reliant on temporary additions, but admitted that – like all Championship clubs – he will look to boost numbers with one or two loanees.

The EADT understands that Town have been heavily scouting the emerging young talent in the top-flight and will be ready to make their moves when the Premier League clubs decide who is in their plans for the 2013/14 campaign and who will be allowed to gain experience in the second tier.

Ipswich have had success with bringing young players in on loan from the Premier League before, with the likes of Giovanni Dos Santos, Asmir Begovic, Jack Colback, Danny Simpson, Andros Townsend and Jake Livermore all going onto bigger and better things after their time at Portman Road.

Last season, there were a number of young Premier League players who made big impacts in the Championship while on loan, with Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford from Chelsea), Shane Ferguson (Birmingham from Newcastle), Nathan Delfouneso (Blackpool from Aston Villa), Craig Dawson (Bolton from West Brom), Jay Spearing (Bolton from Liverpool), Sammy Ameobi (Middlesbrough from Newcastle), Josh McEachran (Middlesbrough from Chelsea) and Ross Barkley (Sheffield Wednesday from Everton) to name just a few.

Ipswich had 15 players on loan last season and there is no doubting that such a figure was far too many. This time around, it will be about getting the right mix.

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Ipswich Town scouts have been keeping a close eye on the emerging talent in the Premier League with a view to a potential loan move or two. STUART WATSON takes a look at some of the top-flight starlets that may be heading to the Championship.

DEFENDERS

Jon Flanagan

Having made his debut for Liverpool at the age of 18 in 2011, the young right-back has made good progress over the last two years bringing his number of first team appearances up to 12. The England Under-21 international remains behind Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and Andre Wisdom in the pecking order at Anfield.

Ignasi Miguel

The Spanish Under-21 international has come up against Town plenty of times in the reserve league for Arsenal. A product of the Barcelona academy, the 6ft 4in centre-back played every game of the Gunners’ League Cup campaign in 2011/12.

Adam Smith

The 20-year-old Spurs right-back has already had loan spells at Wycombe, Torquay, Bournemouth, MK Dons, Leeds and Millwall. Another loan switch to the Championship could be on the cards.

Shane Duffy

The 21-year-old has made five appearances for Everton’s first team and was called up to the full Republic of Ireland squad last year. The 6ft 4in centre-back has been on loan at Burnley and Scunthorpe and may be loaned out again by new Toffees boss Roberto Martinez.

MIDFIELDERS

Shane Ferguson

Newcastle left-winger who could be set for another loan spell in the Championship. The 21-year-old did well at Birmingham last season and has already earned nine caps for Northern Ireland. Can cover at left-back too.

Sammy Ameobi

Another Newcastle left-winger, and younger brother of Shola, he impressed with his trickery while at Middlesbrough last season. Magpies boss Alan Pardew has said he may be loaned out again.

Thomas Eisfeld

Town were scouting the Arsenal attacking midfielder back in January and could renew their interest. The German – who came through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund – would add some creativity and guile in the final third.

Matthew Kennedy

Having made his debut for Kilmarnock at the age of 17, the winger was snapped up by Everton in January. Town have been scouting Scotland heavily and will know all about the Scotland U21 international.

George Thorne

The West Brom youngster is known for his all-action displays in the middle. After impressing on loan at Portsmouth, he was recalled and played for the Baggies against the likes of Manchester United and Everton over Christmas before suffering a cruciate knee injury. Could be loaned out upon his return to fitness.

STRIKERS

Harry Kane

The Spurs front man may only be 19, but already he has been on loan to Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester. The 6ft 2in youngster scored nine times in 28 games for the Lions in 2012, forming a good partnership with Andy Keogh.