Thursday Sep 29 2005 09:39
Ipswich boss Joe Royle has revealed he may try to sign
Tottenham defender Dean Richards on loan if he picks up any injuries to his promotion chasing squad.
Royle tried to land the former £8m man earlier in the season after Jason De Vos picked up a knock but failed to push through a deal as Richards himself was also injured.
The Town boss, who also admitted he was keen on Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing, has confirmed that a move for Richards could still happen.
"I tried for Richards earlier in the season when Jason De Vos looked to be a lengthy doubt, but Dean wasn't fit at the time," Royle revealed.
"I would probably consider him again if we had problems at the back. We picked out Downing at the start of the season, but he is now more likely to be called into the England squad than come here on loan."
Meanwhile, Royle has also ruled out the possibility of signing players on permanent deals between now and the end of the season.
"It will be a while before this club signs someone on a permanent deal," Royle added.
"Our finances have to be kept under order and it will probably be in the summer - depending on what division we are in - before we will be able to bring in anyone on a permanent deal."
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