Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy says he cannot guarantee making any new signings in the January transfer window.

The Blues, who play at second-bottom Wigan tomorrow afternoon, lost 2-1 at Birmingham on Tuesday night and are in danger of being dragged into a relegation dogfight after claiming just 14 points from their last 14 games.

There has been a real shortage of goals scored since Daryl Murphy was sold to Newcastle for £3m in August and both managing director Ian Milne and McCarthy have confirmed that owner Marcus Evans will make that cash available to spend.

“We’ll see what happens and who’s available – it’s never a great month to do it, never a great window,” said McCarthy, whose January deals have included Frank Nouble, Anthony Wordsworth, Noel Hunt and Freddie Sears.

“Apparently Birmingham have got 10 million quid to spend – well that’s going to go a long way in the Championship isn’t it? Ross McCormack cost more than that. To get players that are really going to improve you costs a lot.

“We’ll see what we can get. I’ve been on the phone and we’re all the same – ‘it depends if this happens or that happens’, you never get anything definitive because people are not sure what they might get in.

“Bringing lads in with no experience in the Championship can always be difficult. We’re into January and the season ends in May. It takes some of them quite a while to get used to it.

“Can I guarantee a signing? No, I can’t, not at all.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy said no decision has been made about striker Luke Varney’s future. The 34-year-old has started the last four games, scoring two goals, but his short-term deal expires in the new year.

“I’ve had a brief conversation with him,” said the Blues boss. “He’s out of contract on the 12th (January) and we’re just discussing things.”