IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell says he has already lodged a bid for a new striker target after missing out on Steve Davies.

Having played hard ball with Derby County over the asking price for the wantaway front man all summer, the Blues finally had a �600,000 offer accepted this week.

However, so did Championship rivals Bristol City and the 24-year-old decided to head south west.

“It’s been an ongoing situation and we did finally get a fee agreed,” revealed Jewell. “I know Steve wanted a move quickly and he chose Bristol City. He’ll have his reasons for that and I wish him well.

“We were in the race for him, we would have liked him, but we missed out and that’s life. He’s not the only player in that position that we’re looking at or indeed have made offers for. We now move on.”

Meanwhile, in a strange twist, Jewell dismissed speculation that he was attempting to bring USA international midfielder Maurice Edu to Portman Road.

When asked about the player on Monday, Rangers boss Ally McCoist said: “As far as I know, there has been an offer on the table from Ipswich which, as yet, he hasn’t accepted.”

However, Jewell said last night: “I haven’t made an offer for Maurice Edu and, to be honest, if we were to talk about who I am and am not in for we’d be here all day.”

With there confusion as to whether Rangers – now ‘Newco’ Rangers following their liquidation and relegation to Division Three of Scottish football – could command a fee for Edu, Jewell was asked if he’s spoken to the player directly.

“I haven’t spoken to the player or the club,” said Jewell. “I don’t know what the situation with Maurice Edu is because I haven’t asked the question to be honest. I spoke to Ally McCoist earlier in the summer about a player in Scotland and that’s the only conversation I’ve had with him.”

He added: “I know we need new players to come into the squad and no-one is working harder on that me. I’ve said that we need at least three more additions and we are in for players. I’m not going to comment on speculation though.”