Boss Jim Magilton has denied speaking to Sheffield United about striker Steve Kabba. The 25-year-old frontman had been widely reported to be near the top of Magilton's January wish list.

Magilton says, despite previous reports to the contrary, that he hasn't contacted the Blades: “We have not asked about him.”

The Town manager has slammed Alex Bruce for his silly yellow card for a late clash with Chester's Jamie Hand which has triggered a two-match ban: “He is a stupid boy. He knew that Jason De Vos is probably out for six weeks and he knew he was on nine bookings.”

Bruce's absence for the Swansea City cup tie is likely to see Fabian Wilnis come at centre-half. Ian Miller is ineligible for that game having played for Bury Town in the FA Cup earlier in the season, but the former Boston loanee will hope to make his Town debut at Stoke. Chris Casement will also be looking for some involvement during the absence of both Bruce and De Vos.

Midfielder Sylvain Legwinski limped off at half-time during the Chester game with a hip problem, while Owen Garvan missed the match through a cut foot and could be a doubt for Saturday.

Darren Currie's proposed move to Coventry could be in doubt with Micky Adams on the verge of being sacked after losing last night's home cup tie to Bristol City. Adams is keen to land the midfielder but has been unwilling to pay the £70,000 fee demanded by the Blues.

Speculation on the future of former Blue Darren Bent continues, with Fulham said to be put off by the £14 million price tag slapped on him by Charlton. Bent is also claimed to have asked West Ham for £100,000-a-week wages with the Hammers said to be offering the Addicks £4 million plus Marlon Harewood and Hayden Mullins.

Town are due to receive 20% of any profit Charlton make on the £2.6 million they have so far paid the Blues for the England striker. In swap deals, player values are set independently.

Meanwhile, chief scout Steve McCall says that Town are being quoted high prices for their transfer targets: "You can watch as many players as you like but when you eventually get round to asking their clubs 'How much?' there is often no point going any further.

"We have to accept the budget that we must work within. We have money to spend but not an awful lot and it doesn't help that prices seem to be creeping up again.

"Clubs that can afford it are spending huge sums of money on players who, to be honest, we think are pretty average. Rising prices encourage other clubs to ask big fees and that can put other players out of our price range."

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