Shrewsbury Town continue talks with Ipswich over Jon Nolan and Toto Nsiala

Town were rocked on Wednesday as two of their key men handed in transfer requests after initial bids from the Tractor Boys – managed by former Meadow boss Paul Hurst – were rejected.

But the Shropshire Star understands talks have progressed since and the two clubs are now close to an agreement that will see the duo depart for the Championship outfit.

Town boss John Askey admitted the news has been unsettling, but called on his players to come together and prove they is life beyond the imminent exits of midfielder Nolan and centre-half Nsiala.

When asked if he was confident players could fill the shoes, the boss replied: “Yes, I wouldn’t bring people in if I didn’t think they could play.

“If it was me I’d be trying to prove a point as a player.

“And I’m sure that’s the opinion of all of the players, really. It’s part and parcel of football when people move on.

“For me it should bind you together a little bit more and you should want to win.

“Not that they’d want to win any more than they would normally but there’s usually something in there extra when things like this happen.”

Transfer deadline day is next Thursday, leaving Askey and Town little time to seal deals for possible replacements.

“We’ll have to make the best use of the time as we possibly can,” he added. “We’ll be trying our hardest, as we have all pre-season, to find quality players.

“We have strengthened but it wasn’t just Jon and Toto. It needed strengthening anyway because of players that had gone.

“If they do go we need to bring others in.”

“If you’re looking for players who play in the league below then it might be money that entices them to come.

“If you’re looking at players in the same league or above – unless they’re loans – then it can be pretty difficult as clubs want to keep their best players.”