FRUSTRATED Derby County manager Paul Jewell has blamed the Premier League fear factor for his lack of success in the emergency loan market.

Jewell has approached several top flight clubs to enquire about players as he looks to bolster his squad but his search has so far been fruitless.

One of his targets was revealed to be Bolton Wanderers defender Danny Shittu but Trotters boss Gary Megson was unwilling to allow the centre-back out on loan outside the transfer window.

According to Jewell, this has become a growing trend among Premier League clubs this season, with the battle to avoid relegation looking set to be the most fiercely contested in recent years.

"It does seem to be harder to get players in this season," said Jewell. "It is not getting players to come to Derby that is the problem, it's their managers.

"I think the reason is because the Premier League is so tight. You've got Bolton winning one game and going from second-from-bottom to ninth and Fulham going from third-bottom to eighth.

"There is such a scramble that, from eighth downwards almost, you've got a relegation fight.

"So when you are asking for players, even the top teams won't let players go.

"And I understand that reason. The transfer window stops them from going out and replacing who they are prepared to loan.

"The clubs are worried if they let their players out and get an injury or suffer loss of form, they can't go out and get someone else in.

"That is why I disagree with the transfer window. I think it is almost a restraint of trade at times."

Jewell is still scouring the loan market but it is looking more and more unlikely that he will do any business before tomorrow's Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday at Pride Park.

"Gary Megson is not the only Premier League manager I've spoken to over the last couple of weeks about loan players but it's getting frustrating," said the Rams boss.

"The answer always seems to be, 'come back in January', because they are waiting to see what their situation is then."

Ideally, Jewell wants to bring in three extra players to boost different areas of the team.

Central defence is one of the main concerns, with Martin Albrechtsen (calf) and Dean Leacock (groin) almost certain to miss tomorrow's game.

"I don't want to bring people in for the sake of it," said Jewell. "I was offered two players from Premier League teams but I didn't think they would improve the team."

The injuries to Albrechtsen and Leacock mean that Claude Davis and Lewin Nyatanga are set to continue their partnership in central defence. But Jewell has options up front, with Rob Hulse (rib) and Emanuel Villa (calf) expected to be fit.