PAUL Jewell is preparing an audacious raid on divisional rivals Peterborough in a bid to sign Paul Taylor and George Boyd before Friday’s transfer deadline.

Ipswich Town are readying a joint bid in the region of �1.5 million for the transfer-listed duo as Jewell looks to add to his attacking options.

Left-winger Boyd, 26, has long been one of the most consistent performers in the Championship while 24-year-old Taylor shot to prominence last season, top-scoring with 12 goals.

But the pair refused to sign new deals at London Road and were placed on the transfer list rather than being allowed to walk away for nothing next summer.

We understand Town owner Marcus Evans has personally got involved in negotiations with the Blues’ East Anglian rivals who know time is running out for them to make good money from any sale.

The interest in Boyd will not hinder any move for Daryl Murphy who is set to sign for a third loan spell at Ipswich in the next day or two.

But it does suggest that Jewell might view Murphy as a central striker, rather than the left-wing role he occupied for much of last season, alongside Michael Chopra, Jason Scotland and Taylor, if the pursuit is successful.

Jewell has until Friday’s summer transfer window deadline to make the signings but talks are said to be progressing well.

Leeds had also targeted Boyd but manager Neil Warnock has admitted his summer spending spree is all but over.

The midfielder, who can also play through the middle, has made 260 starts in his five-and-a-half years at London Road.

He has also started this season brightly scoring two goals in Peterborough’s first four league and cup matches.

Taylor, a Scouser like Jewell, had a great season last year – including being instrumental in Peterborough’s 7-1 win over Ipswich.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson took a chance on the striker who tested positive for cocaine while at Chester in 2008 but has now conceded his future lies elsewhere.

Jewell first voiced an interest in the duo way back in April when they were placed on the transfer list.

The Blues boss said: “I don’t know what their price would be but we would certainly be in the market for that type of player of that ilk and that desire and ability.”