IPSWICH boss Jim Magilton has contacted nearly every one of his Premiership counterparts in his quest to strengthen his squad.His telephone marathon has so far failed to yield a new signing, but the Town manager is hopeful of bringing in a player on loan before the end of the week.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH boss Jim Magilton has contacted nearly every one of his Premiership counterparts in his quest to strengthen his squad.

His telephone marathon has so far failed to yield a new signing, but the Town manager is hopeful of bringing in a player on loan before the end of the week.

He said: “I have spoken to the vast majority of Premiership managers and each and every one of them has been extremely helpful.

“I didn't go on to them all with specific players in mind - in some cases I had a general chat and asked who might be available to go out on loan.

“As things stand right now, there is a possibility that we will have someone in the next few days, but he is due to play this week and then decide whether or not he'll be joining us.”

Magilton admitted that 19-year-old Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans was one player he wanted to bring from Manchester United.

But he revealed: “I saw a fair bit of young Evans in recent weeks, in the international games against Spain, Denmark and Latvia, and I was very impressed.

“I would have jumped at the chance to bring him here but they tell me he's going over to Belgium to play for Antwerp, who are United's feeder club.

“Evans is a central defender but he has been playing left-back for his country and he has been outstanding on each occasion.

“It's disappointing for me after I also tried to get Paul McShane from United right at the start of the season, but I understand their point of view.

“The search goes on to add quality to the squad. We never stop looking and we have our scouts covering as many games as possible from one week to the next.”

Magilton said he has also “pestered” his former Liverpool colleague Gary Ablett, who is now in charge of the Anfield reserves, as part of his on-going attempt to reinforce his squad.

A Town representative took in Crewe's home defeat by Blackpool at the weekend, when the Gresty Road pair of David Vaughan and Luke Varney were the centre of attention.

Magilton added: “We've had a look at the Crewe players on a number of occasions but they are just two of many that we are monitoring.

“But other clubs don't want to part with their top players, which is perfectly understandable, and we will just have to wait and see whether the situation changes with regard to those we have watched and like.”