Sam Allardyce said a change in the law, making it impossible for a player to go on loan short-term (3 or 4 months), has scuppered deals for his young hopefulls. But Ipswich boss Jim Magilton is set to twist his arm on one player.

Ipswich have been interested in Newcastle United centre-forward Andy Carroll for some time, and hardly a Toon Reserve match at Kingston Park went by last season without a scout from the 'Tractor Boys' casting an eye on the youngster.

Magilton wants to take Carroll to Portman Road on-loan for next season, and Big Sam was happy with a three month deal. But loan deals this season must be for one year ... no quicky transfers with a recall clause added. And it is "all or nothing".

With the future of Michael Owen and Oba Martins being precarious, to say the least, Sam wasn't willing to let the striker tie himself to another club.

But we hear a rumour that IF Owen starts the season and doesn't use the £9m clause in his contract, Carroll will be free to move to Ipswich for a year.