Town have refuted Spanish reports claiming that they have agreed a price with Málaga for central defender César Navas.

Several of this morning's Spanish papers reported that the clubs had negotiated a fee which would eventually reach €300,000 (£200,000).

However, chief executive Derek Bowden told the club site that the Blues are still to hear back from the Segunda División side: "We have made an offer to Málaga for César Navas, but we have not heard back from the player or the club."

The 6ft 4in tall defender impressed the Town management during a trial spell at Portman Road in pre-season, but broke the third metatarsal on his right foot during the friendly at Crawley. The injury is expected to keep him out of action until the end of September or beginning of October.

Málaga, currently in a Spanish version of administration, are eager to offload Navas's La Liga-sized wages — his salary makes up a seventh of their overall wage bill — and bring in some cash in order to strengthen their side for the season ahead.

In January, Málaga sent Navas out on loan to Gimnàstic de Tarragona, where the defender recorded an unfortunate double of a second successive relegation from the Spanish top flight, Málaga having been demoted a season earlier.

Navas himself is keen to move to England and would be reunited with former Málaga team-mate Pablo Couñago if the clubs do eventually agree a fee.

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