IPSWICH boss Joe Royle has revealed how he tried to persuade Arsenal to part with hot young talent Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.But the Gunners rejected Royle's bid to sign the highly-rated Dutch teenager on loan and that situation is unlikely to change in the near future.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH boss Joe Royle has revealed how he tried to persuade Arsenal to part with hot young talent Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.

But the Gunners rejected Royle's bid to sign the highly-rated Dutch teenager on loan and that situation is unlikely to change in the near future.

The Town boss will have to turn his attention elsewhere if he still wants to reinforce his squad with loan signings during the January transfer window.

Royle also failed with a similar attempt to capture another Highbury starlet, 18-year-old Italian striker Arturo Lupoli, as reported exclusively in the Star earlier in the season.

Both players were in the Arsenal side that edged through on penalties in the Carling Cup quarter-final tie at Doncaster last week.

Former Ajax player Owusu-Abeyie, 19, scored only his second senior goal to cancel out the League One side's early opener and another by Brazilian star Gilberto Silva just before the end of extra time forced the spot-kick shootout.

The Amsterdam-born youngster has already been capped at under-21 level by Holland and is tipped to make the breakthrough into Arsene Wenger's side sooner rather than later.

Royle said: “I did speak to Arsenal about both lads but they weren't able to help. They are very highly thought of at Highbury and I'm not the least bit surprised.”

The Town boss is now more likely to focus on senior stars who might be available on loan, with ex-England striker Robbie Fowler still very much in his thoughts.

Royle confirmed that his initial approach to Manchester City had been unsuccessful, although he was quick to add that the deal is far from dead and may be resurrected next month.

But Town's requirements could change if one or more of the four recent trialists are offered a permanent place on the Portman Road payroll.

Defender Arthur Gnohere, a free agent, is still under review but Sammy Youssouf (Maritimo), Delis Ahou (Ajaccio) and Iwan Redan (Willem II) have returned to their clubs.

Royle and his staff will decide whether to take their interest further, but the Town boss already has a list of other budding trialists he intends to check on in the coming weeks.