Jeffers could be lining up against Town

By Elvin King

FRANCIS Jeffers could be lining up against Ipswich Town on Saturday - with Sheffield Wednesday reported to be about to sign the Blackburn Rovers striker.

Jeffers was earmarked for a move to Portman Road after impressing while on loan at the end of last season.

But after a long drawn-out saga the player's wage demands proved a barrier, and Town moved for Pablo Counago instead.

Brian Laws' Owls visit Ipswich on the opening Coca-Cola Championship day of the season on Saturday - and they could have Jeffers in their side.

But Town striker Alan Lee today stressed that the Blues are perfectly happy with the signings they have made.

'Ecstatic' at having signed a new contract today that could take him to 2010, Lee said: “There has been too much said about a possible Franny move to Ipswich.

“It did not happen, and we are very happy with the squad we have.

“My partnership with Pablo is shaping up well while the additions of Neil Alexander and Tommy Miller have also been good ones.

“We are not getting carried away but our display in the 2-0 win yesterday bodes well for the season.”

Lee, 28, could not hide his delight at agreeing to stay with Ipswich.

“I love everything about the place,” he said. “I am totally delighted to be staying.

“In fact I am ecstatic, and my feelings were confirmed when I arrived early at the ground yesterday and looked around.

“When you are negotiating your future there is a certain anxiety, but I have not missed a day's training and feel fitter than I have for some considerable while.

“Now I want to go on and continue to score goals. At no time have I wanted to leave.”

The Republic of Ireland international revealed it was the hottest conditions he has ever played football in.

“It was sweltering in the warm-up,” he said. “And we all wish Gavin Williams well. It looked like an ankle sprain and as he was in so much pain it could be bad one.”

Laws is desperate to bolster his forward line before Saturday, and he confirmed: “We are working feverishly behind the scenes to make this happen.

“We are in the process of talking to a player. We have already spoken to a football club and it is now about talking to the player, which I am going to do early part of this week.

“Hopefully, we can secure something which will give everybody a lift.”

Williams was last night taken to Ipswich Hospital for an initial scan, which revealed no break. He will have an MRI scan later this week to determine the full extent of the injury.