Ipswich Town are closing in on the signing of Portsmouth attacker Michael Jacobs and Aston Villa's Louie Barry, we understand.
The Blues have been in touch with Paul Cook’s former Wigan player, Jacobs, throughout the summer and now have an agreement in place with Portsmouth. There are a number of formalities to complete before the deal is done, including a medical for a player who missed spells last season through injury.
Jacobs, 29, can play wide or through the middle as a No.10 and will add much-needed depth to Cook's squad.
Town are also close to signing teenager Louie Barry on loan from Aston Villa, who was previously on the books of Barcelona. Town's move for Barry, 18, was first reported by Birmingham Live, who say Town have beaten off competition
The signing of Barry, who operates largely as a central attacker, but can play wide, is likely to be completed today, while the acquisition of Jacobs may take a little longer.
Barry has been involved with Villa's first-team during pre-season on the back of an impressive campaign which saw him score 20 goals in the 26 games he played across various age groups. He also netted for the Villa first-team in their FA Cup clash with Liverpool.
He joined Villa from Barcelona 18 months ago, having previously been at West Brom before moving to Spain.
Town's interest in Jacobs stretches back several weeks, with the Blues continuing to monitor him at a time when he has been recovering from a knee injury which kept him out last season.
Speaking recently, Jacobs told The News in Portsmouth: "To be fair, because I didn’t play a lot last year it was obviously surprising (Ipswich’s interest).
"There were talks at the time, but that happens in football.
"I am still contracted to this football club. Last year was frustrating in terms of me personally and I don’t think people have seen the best of me yet.
"I don’t really know what’s happening, to be honest. It’s pre-season, it materialised, talks happened, and obviously I was still coming back from injury at the time.
"I want to stay here and produce a performance that I know I can throughout the season, should I be wanted.
"Look at my age and last year, it’s one of those things, I’ve got a good relationship with the manager (Cowley) and the staff here and we had a good honest chat.
"They (Ipswich) are in the same division and I know the manager down there."
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