Blade Quinn on way to Town

BLUES boss Jim Magilton has spoken of his glee at landing Alan Quinn on an emergency loan from Sheffield United.

But Ipswich could be on the verge of losing striker Alan Lee to Burnley.

Blades midfielder Quinn, who was a team-mate of Jim Magilton Sheffield Wednesday, could make the move permanent if personal terms can be agreed but he will not be involved in today's Championship clash at Blackpool.

If Quinn were to sign for the Blues, he would cost around £400,000 from the Bramall Lane club and be the first player into Portman Road in the January transfer window.

He will take his debut against Plymouth, and possibly David Norris, at Portman Road on Tuesday January 29.

Magilton last night said: “I have known Alan since he was a kid. He has a hunger and a desire to get playing not only in the Premiership but for the Republic of Ireland as well.

“He has all the qualities and character that I like in a player and can take this team forward. He will certainly brighten things up.”

He said: “It was all very quick. I heard Alan was available and moved straight away. It shows how quickly things can be done.”

Town also denied that any bid had been made for any of their players although reports from Lancashire insist that Burnley are keen to capture Lee in a £900,000 coup after Andy Gray moved to Charlton in a £1.5m deal.

The Clarets had tried to sign Derek Riordan from Celtic but were rebuffed in their attempts.

Lee signed a new deal with Ipswich in the summer after Town rejected an offer from Hull City and is known to be keen to stay at Ipswich. He is settled in his home on the Essex/Suffolk border and has previously stated he has never been happier at a club.

Lee has netted nine goals this season and since signing from Cardiff City in a £150,000 move

But Lee has failed to score in eight games, and that was penalty and Magilton could use the cash, plus that from Marcus Evans to land a Premiership-quality striker.