TODAY'S arrival of loan signing Tony Dinning is likely to signal the end of Ipswich Town'searly-season transfer activity.The 29-year-old midfielder will go straight into the squad for Wednesday's visit to Nottingham Forest, providing his level of fitness satisfies manager Joe Royle.

By Mel Henderson

TODAY'S arrival of loan signing Tony Dinning is likely to signal the end of Ipswich Town's

early-season transfer activity.

The 29-year-old midfielder will go straight into the squad for Wednesday's visit to Nottingham Forest, providing his level of fitness satisfies manager Joe Royle.

The Town boss made an approach to Wigan for Dinning last month that was rejected - but Latics counterpart Paul Jewell had a change of heart over the weekend.

Dinning has been signed on a two-month loan deal, with a view to a permanent move and Wigan are unlikely to hold out for a fee if Ipswich want to keep him on board.

Royle said: “In terms of signing anyone substantial, that's probably it for now, but I feel much happier having been able to bring Tony in.

“We have five midfield players now and we're fairly well covered all round.”

But although finances remain tight at the club, Royle refused to rule out the possibility of other

reinforcements coming in at a later stage.

A move to sign Arsenal teenager Justin Hoyte on a season-long loan has failed to materialise, with the 19-year-old featuring in the Gunners' first team during their warm-up programme.

Hoyte was a substitute in yesterday's 3-1 Community Shield win over Manchester United in Cardiff and is likely to remain at Highbury until Arsene Wenger is able to sign another right-back.

“It doesn't mean to say we've stopped looking,” he added, “and if I get the right answer for clubs where I've enquired about players I would go to the chairman and say 'Can we?'.

“With Georges Santos having moved to QPR it has made things a bit easier financially and Tony's arrival is a big plus.”

Wallsend-born Dinning started his career alongside ex-Ipswich striker Alun Armstrong at Newcastle, where they were coached by current Town chief scout Colin Suggett.

He moved to Stockport along with Armstrong ten years ago, then in 2000 Wolves splashed £700,000 to take him to Molineux.

Ambitious Wigan spent £750,000 on him a year later and he has since been on loan to Stoke, Walsall and, last season, Blackpool after falling out of favour at the JJB Stadium.

“Paul Jewell and him haven't been seeing eye to eye,” added Royle. “But I've seen plenty of Tony over the years and know what he can do.

“He can play as a holding or attacking midfielder and I remember he was quite prolific in his time at Stockport.”

Dinning's former Wigan team-mate, Town new boy Jason De Vos, missed training today after taking another knock on the knee in Saturday's 2-1 opening-day win over Gillingham.

Royle said: “He got a knock on exactly the same place as he did against Osasuna that made him a concern for the weekend.

“He's not missing training just as a precautionary measure. He's sore, but the lad has already told me he will play at Forest.

“We'll see how Jim Magilton is after he missed the Gillingham game, but I don't expect him to make it for Wednesday.”

Saturday's success, when Town roared back after falling behind midway through the first half, delighted Royle.

He added: “It took us seven games last year to win one, so it was great to start with three points.”