Royle hoping to bring in a defender today

Collins on his way to the Causeway Stadium

Possible targets being touted are Chelsea's Robert Huth and Aston Villa's J Lylod Samuel. Royle has previously said that his transfer budget still allows him to make one more loan signing and he wants to bring in a defender, having already added to his midfield and striker options in January.

So far the blues have made four signings; Adam Proudlock (free), Vermund Brekke-Skard (free), Gavin Williams (£300k) and Alan Lee (£150k).

Royle made the decision to release Aidan Collins last week and the Irish defender is already in talks with former Town assistant, John Gorman's high-flying Wycombe Wanderers team. Collins said: “I'm going to Wycombe to have a look round and have a chat with the manager Mr Gorman.

“There are other clubs who have expressed an interest in me so I will see what is the best thing to do.

“I have seen Wycombe play and know they play the right way, as I try to do, and I have heard a lot of good things about them and John Gorman.”

Gorman already has former Blue, Matt Bloomfield on his books.