IPSWICH Town have made their first moves of the new transfer window by making a substantial bid for Plymouth Argyle's David Norris.Although Blues boss Jim Magilton confirmed he has made an offer for a player and has also made a serious enquiry for at least one other potential signing, he refused to identify who they were.

By Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town have made their first moves of the new transfer window by making a substantial bid for Plymouth Argyle's David Norris.

Although Blues boss Jim Magilton confirmed he has made an offer for a player and has also made a serious enquiry for at least one other potential signing, he refused to identify who they were.

It was revealed last summer that Norris was Magilton's number one choice but a bid had been rejected by the Pilgrims when Ian Holloway was manager, although the Blues boss has never lost hope of signing the 26-year-old.

I understand that Town have now increased their offer and Plymouth are more receptive to their approach this time.

A stumbling block in the negotiations is that Plymouth will have to pay Bolton 50 per cent of any fee for Norris, who joined from the Reebok Stadium in an initial £25,000 move in 2002.

It is understood the Plymouth board are trying to negotiate with the Bolton counterparts to reduce that sell on clause for the player that has been rated at around £1m.

Norris, who qualifies to play for the Republic of Ireland through his mother from Kildare, can play right across the midfield and is a popular player with fans and team-mates alike for his energetic style and enthusiastic nature.

Magilton was last night hoping that a deal could be agreed for at least one target so that he could play in this afternoon's home game against Championship leaders West Brom, while Norris is expected to play against Cardiff.

To do that Town would have to take the player on an emergency loan basis and register him before 12 noon in time for the 3pm kick off.

Magilton said: “We have one bid in and have made one firm enquiry.

“If everything could be tied up there is a possibility he would play.”

A central defender also figures high on Magilton's wish list with Hibernian's Rob Jones keen to play in England but the SPL club are reluctant to entertain offers.

Drogheda centre half Graham Gartland has been watched by Town but no offer has yet been made for the player who has recently signed a new two-year deal.

Another name continually linked with Ipswich is Blackpool's left-winger Wes Hoolahan and he has been watched but Sheffield United are favourites to sign him, although it is understood they have had a £500,000 bid rejected.

Two other players rumoured to be joining are not in the frame.

Dominik Werling's agent has been touting the Roberto Carlos look-alike around but Magilton denied any interest in the Barnsley full-back.

Town did make inquiries about the possibility that David Nugent may be allowed out on loan but took it no further when they were discouraged. It seems Nugent will be joining Reading in a swap deal with Leroy Lita or staying at Fratton Park to cover in the absence of a number of players going to the African nations Cup, but not until after the FA Cup tie at Portman Road.