Town are close to completing the signings of Cardiff City winger Anthony Pilkington and Huddersfield Town forward Collin Quaner. We understand the deals could go through within the next 48 hours.

Speaking on Saturday, manager Paul Lambert said he hoped to make a “couple” of additions to his squad early this week with TWTD reporting that Pilkington was set to be one of them.

The 30-year-old, who was first mentioned in connection with Town last week, is out of favour with the Bluebirds, not having featured at any stage this season.

A report in Wales last week indicated that the nine-times-capped Republic of Ireland international would join a Championship club on a permanent basis this week with the Blues presumably set to take on the remaining months of his Cardiff deal which is up in the summer in much the same way as they did with the signings of Mustapha Carayol and Stephen Gleeson last January.

Pilkington previously worked under Lambert during his time as manager at Norwich City, having paid Huddersfield a fee of £2 million rising to £3 million in July 2011.

Düsseldorf-born forward Quaner, 27, who was initially reported to be a Blues target at the weekend, is similarly out of favour with the Terriers having made only two sub appearances this season.

The 6ft 3in tall frontman is set to join on loan with his contract at Huddersfield having another year left to run.

Although often having operated as a central striker at his clubs in his native Germany, including hometown side Fortuna, he has usually operated wide on the right for the Terriers.

Meanwhile, academy midfielder Henry Barley, 17, has joined Felixstowe and Walton on loan having previously spent a spell with Brantham Athletic.

Photo: Action Images

Barty added 08:03 - Jan 8 Its a start I suppose. Another 15 players or so and we may just get another win this season [ but don't hold your breath ] Saturdays result just shows that we will struggle in League 1 next season. In 45 years of supporting the Town these are by far the worst times ever. Easier said than done but we need a new owner who is passionate about football & ITFC and not one that purely uses the club as a massive tax fiddle.

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tractorintheloft added 09:13 - Jan 8 What is the obsession with the “tax fiddle”. If Evans losses money at ITFC he can only claim back 18% corporation tax and still loses the other 82%. Yes debt rolls over into the parent company but is that ever really going to be repaid outside the PL? If it is repaid the corporation tax will then be liable. The real issue is that ME has proven time and time again he doesn't understand the football business and keeps appointing pals as CEO who are equally inept. Needs to fix the CEO position before we can start to heal. Perhaps ML has also spotted this judging by his recent outburst. Club has been poorly run since ME arrived, which has cost him several £m but too proud to put his hands up. Giving the Dark Lord free reign was the first and most costly error.

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rfretwell added 09:16 - Jan 8 Both just what we need. Height, goalscorers, strength, experience at our level (and of the Prem in Pilkingtons case). If only we had brought them in in the summer we def. wouldn't be staring at league 1 now.
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brittaniaman added 09:25 - Jan 8 Marcus Evans should not have got rid of Bowden (who knew the club inside out) and replaced him with Clegg, just ONE of his failures he has made at the club
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BlueBlood90 added 09:32 - Jan 8 After the game at Accrington I've got absolutely no negative opinions on anybody coming in because quite frankly they can't be any worse than the tripe that's already here. I used to really like Pilkington (before he went to Norwich obviously) and if he can find some form and fitness then he could be a great signing. I remember seeing Quaner come on as a sub for Huddersfield in the play offs at Sheff Weds when they went up and he made a real impact. He might not have an impressive goalscoring record but he could be a handful and add some physicality.

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marco007 added 09:44 - Jan 8 I understand what everyone is saying about our defence and our back 5 is very poor. However, in order to successfully defend it has to be a team effort and too often there are gaping holes in our midfield and for me Trev is not a CDM as he does not spot danger quickly enough, and is far more effective going forward. Skuse is ok but not as athletic as he once was. Let's be honest, we are fishing in a pretty small pond and unlikely to attract prize salmon!

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braveblue added 09:52 - Jan 8 Usual cheap deals by Evans. So much for the big name striker. Hope they do well but I do wonder if we would be better building for next season.
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bringmeaKuqi added 09:56 - Jan 8 Quaner looks a much better player than Jackson
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blueboy1981 added 10:06 - Jan 8 Quite puzzled at how Managers obviously see Spence as a player - he has potential in my opinion, but I can't see how the concentration required throughout a game will ever be there. He's had more than a chance to prove himself, that's for sure.
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Razor added 10:09 - Jan 8 OK----we all know these are sticking plasters to cover a great wound left by the previous idiot but at least Lamby is doing his damn best in very difficult circumstances. Looks like the owner does not want to spend any money (again) or will we pull a rabbit out of ye olde hat before the window closes? Still need a creative mid-field player and one commanding centre half, minimum. If Skuse and Huws(who!?) do return on Saturday could look a very interesting team. COME ON YOU BLUES!!

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aharris4 added 10:14 - Jan 8 Everyone needs to give players a chance no matter where they have come from. We have bought so many players over from absolutely no where who turned out to be gems for us and sold on for a massive profit. No good constantly blaming Evans. Look at the amount of clubs who have spent fortunes in this league yet still remain or have been relegated. Its about building a squad of players with team spirit and nit and grit. Yes we have a few players ageing who look like it might be time to hang up their boots. But do not underestimate the influence they have on the dressing room. Its a sad time, but this club will make its way back eventually. But it needs everyone behind it!

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beornioblue added 10:19 - Jan 8 is there a real chance of Huws back for Saturday? That alone could make a difference if he comes back like he did last season against Wednesday (hopefully longer this time however) Him and Bish and Skuse would make a decent trio. Pilkington would be great and I honestly think a handful like Quaner working as big man- small man with Freddie could work also, roll on saturday and lets all hope to have an enjoyable day out at the footie...imagine that !!

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dubblue added 10:41 - Jan 8 Seem like reasonable signings given the circumstances. That said I would prefer the squad to be strengthened with 2 or 3 real quality players that can play a leadership role on the pitch rather than 5-6 adequate players - RB, creative midfield and a striker. Perhaps a more attacking team might take the pressure off the defence, we certainly need more creativity upfront, how many games have we ended up scoreless - 13 so far this season and you will not win matches without goals! With Huws and Skuse back soon and these signings I would have been confident were it still December!!

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Gilesy added 10:44 - Jan 8 Braveblue - have we ever been promised a big name striker?!
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beornioblue added 11:00 - Jan 8 we dont seem to be being linked with any defenders which is more of a concern !!
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MJR101 added 11:10 - Jan 8 Jabberjackson - Ian Dury yes?
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OwainG1992 added 11:10 - Jan 8 Quarner would hopefully be the kind of bullying forward we had in Murph, Alan Lee back in the day.
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runningout added 11:22 - Jan 8 Hope incomings have some character about them. Don't need anymore lightweights. Heard good things about Boreham Wood keeper, and George Williams at Forest Green..
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littlestoneblue added 11:28 - Jan 8 beornioblue, I think we have been asking Spurs about getting Cameron Cater Vickers back here, as he's not getting game time with Swansea, now that would tighten the CB position, he played really well for us on his last loan last season.
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warktheline added 12:43 - Jan 8 I remember Quaner having a brief but fruitful scoring spree at Union Berlin and thereafter 'disappearing at Huddersfield! Very capable player at Championship level IF he's 'hungry'!
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beornioblue added 13:29 - Jan 8 littlestoneblue that would work !! I liked him last year and if the whole point of a loan is for game time..makes sense for all parties ... can he play right back haha
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badadski added 14:57 - Jan 8 Hometown Fortuna, Wow it would be manic when the Dussledorfians come to town cheering us on with a home born player in the ranks. Happy with these types of players with plenty of experience.
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midastouch added 16:07 - Jan 8 all we need to do is show them the training facilities and how could they possibly resist! never mind the lack of wonga and league position, it's all about the ITFC rowing machines, treadmills and exercise bikes!
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dirtydingusmagee added 16:59 - Jan 8 several people saying get a big name striker in recently , it would be interesting to hear who these strikers are. Big name strikers are queuing up to come to ITFC in our current dilemma presumably , and of course ME will be chomping at the bit to stump up.Come on lads get real .
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happybeingblue added 17:45 - Jan 8 our defence is a shambles!! so i dont see how we will be fine as mentioned,young pennington has been the best out of them for me ,both goalies make a costly error every game the full backs? well where do we start,and despite creating chances we have no one who is capable of sticking it in the net,the loan signings have hardly played any football in 12 months so ....

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