IPSWICH Town boss Jim Magilton today spoke of his frustration, but said he remains upbeat about strengthening his squad this month.Although it is looking increasingly likely that he might miss out on his main targets, the Blues boss has other options.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town boss Jim Magilton today spoke of his frustration, but said he remains upbeat about strengthening his squad this month.

Although it is looking increasingly likely that he might miss out on his main targets, the Blues boss has other options.

“I have plan B, plan C and even plan D,” said Magilton, who is actively pursuing a number of players he feels will improve his squad.

“It is proving a little frustrating, but phone calls and meetings are continuing and there is still plenty of time.”

With the countdown beginning to the closing of the window, Magilton has so far met a brick wall in his quest to strengthen his side for a push towards the Premier League.

This is despite having £12 million in his coffers following the takeover of Ipswich by wealthy entrepreneur Marcus Evans.

Supporters are beginning to get edgy, concerned that Magilton might drawn a blank, but the manager is certainly not showing signs of any worry at this stage.

The majority of transfer window signings are expected to take place in the final week, and Magilton anticipates that this will be no different this year for Ipswich.

Magilton will not pay over the odds, and he will not be trapped into a corner as January 31 approaches and the heat is turned up.

The signs are that first choice target David Norris (Plymouth Argyle), plus others high on Magilton's shopping list like Leicester City defender Gareth McAuley are slowly but surely looking less likely to sign for the Portman Road club.

Plymouth are reluctant to let an unsettled Norris go, while Town have no intention of upping their original bid for McAuley.

A bid is still on the table for a third player, and there has been no response at all to this so far.

Lee Miller, a 24-year-old Aberdeen striker, has had his name linked with Ipswich again.

On the fringe of the Scotland squad, Miller spent two years with Bristol City - scoring eight goals in 49 appearances - after a £300,000 transfer from Falkirk in the summer of 2003.

Magilton is unlikely to be interested despite reports in Scotland suggesting Ipswich have been in touch with Scottish Premier League Aberdeen.

Under contract until the end of season, Dons manager Jimmy Calderwood would accept a fee of around £150,000 - or there could be a loan arrangement and then a free summer transfer.