Hibernian and Sunderland are reported to have joined the chase for Town target George O'Callaghan. The Blues are yet to agree a loan fee with Cork City for the midfield player, who has been on trial since September.

Negotiations are reported to be continuing with Town's latest offer, believed to be a bid to take O'Callaghan on loan until the end of the season, claimed to be around £80,000. Town are now understood to have had two previous bids turned down.

If the former Port Vale man's proposed loan spell goes smoothly, then Town would look to make the move permanent in the summer, with more cash likely to be due to Cork as O'Callaghan's contract lasts until November.

Town's bid is the only concrete offer for the 27-year-old, although Cork boss Damien Richardson says he expects others: "Ipswich wanted George on loan and we're still talking about a fee. There is still some way to go. Dunfermline also have some very solid interest and I expect to hear more from them."

Hibs and Sunderland are also said to be monitoring the situation. The player himself is keen to join the Blues having spent four months training at Playford Road, with personal terms already agreed.

If no deal is agreed, Cork expect O'Callaghan - a friend of former darts world champion Phil 'The Power' Taylor during his Port Vale days - to join the rest of their squad for pre-season training on Monday.

Elsewhere, former Blue Alex Mathie has resigned as manager of NCE Premier Division club Pickering Town after a 3-1 defeat to Garforth Town saw them slump to 14th in the table. The derby hat-trick hero has been with the Yorkshire side since 2004.

Pickering chairman Tony Dunning said: "Alex resigned after the Garforth game, so we are looking for a new boss. He had done well for us and put together a good side, but our last league win was in October. "

Former Town academy striker Craig Reid is on trial at Cheltenham Town. Reid left the Blues for Coventry City in 2004.

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