PAUL Jewell is facing a double dilemma in the January transfer window.

The Blues boss must convince potential targets that troubled Town is a good place to play their football.

But he also has to make big decisions on the likes of skipper Grant Leadbitter and bright young hope Josh Carson – and equally persuade them of the merits of remaining at Ipswich.

The next few weeks could define and determine Jewell’s time at Portman Road with the knives once again out among certain sections of supporters following Monday’s humbling 3-1 home defeat by previously shot-shy Nottingham Forest.

Town are just three points clear of the bottom three and many fans are fearing that they could be watching League One football next season.

Jewell admitted that he needs to strengthen over the next few weeks but faces a serious battle convincing players to sign up for what is looking like becoming a relegation battle.

He said: “I think we need to bring players in but whether we can get the players in that we want, is something else.”

But as well as trying to turn fortunes around on the pitch, Jewell will be negotiating with the likes of Leadbitter, Carson, Jason Scotland and Ibrahima Sonko – whose contracts are all up at the end of the season.

Of his own situation, Leadbitter said: “I have said all along I want to sign but I am not worrying about the new contract.”

And it is the future of Carson, one of the club’s brightest hopes, that could worry Town fans the most.

We understand he is stalling over a new deal with the 18-year-old concerned about the lack of game time he has had this season.

Jewell questioned Carson’s fitness when he returned in the summer and he has since started him just three times in the Championship.

Carson might see how the next few weeks pan out for him personally before committing himself to any new contract at Portman Road.