FABIAN Wilnis's red card at Plymouth means Ipswich Town will today step up their attempts to bring in a new centre-half.But it is unlikely to be Malaga defender Cesar Navas after Blues chairman David Sheepshanks dismissed reports in Spain saying a deal has already been done.

By Derek Davis

FABIAN Wilnis's red card at Plymouth means Ipswich Town will today step up their attempts to bring in a new centre-half.

But it is unlikely to be Malaga defender Cesar Navas after Blues chairman David Sheepshanks dismissed reports in Spain saying a deal has already been done.

Blues chief executive Derek Bowden made a whistle-stop visit to Spain on Wednesday to meet Malaga officials, and the player's agent, but no agreement has been struck.

Malaga are now in administration and are desperate to unload Navas, who is among their top earners, with a fee of around £500,000 being quoted in the Spanish media.

But Sheepshanks confirmed that while Town were considering making a move for Navas they have not agreed to sign him yet.

Sheepshanks said: “No deal has been done but we are in discussions with Malaga and the player.”

Town are not in a position to spend anything like £500,000 on a player who may not be fit to play until November and may look to loan him out first.

While Town's interest in Navas is well known the player has a broken foot, which he picked up in a friendly for Town at Crawley, so it would be a risk to sign him, and pay his wages, this month without knowing how quickly he will be fit and no guarantee that he won't break down again.

Meanwhile Magilton needs to add to his defensive numbers.

Wilnis will miss the home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday and then West Brom and Watford away, following his red card at Plymouth.

Magilton will look to bring in a loan signing to act as cover with Jason De Vos and Alex Bruce now his only two recognised centre-halves.

The Town manager's options also include not extending Ian Miller's loan spell at Darlington that ends next week. He has Chris Casement and Michael Synott waiting in the wings and next month will have the impressive Tommy Smith back from England Under-17s' World Cup campaign.

Magilton has denied any interest in West Ham's Calum Davenport and reports linking him with French midfielder Cyril Rool also appear to be without foundation.