Town target Laurent Robert is joining Derby County on trial later this week. Robert, currently without a club, was previously invited to spend time with the Blues with a view to a move to Town during the January transfer window.

Derby boss Paul Jewell revealed that the former French international would be spending time with the doomed Premiership club after their 1-0 defeat at Bolton: “He's coming in on Friday. He's going to train with us for a couple of days to see what condition he's in and to see if it's right for us and right for him.”

The former Newcastle man, whose contract with Spanish side Levante was settled at the end of November, watched Town's home game against Burnley with ex-Magpies chief scout Charlie Woods, now a coach with the Blues, and was subsequently invited to Portman Road for a trial.

Over the weekend, Robert told papers in France that his reputation has prevented him from finding a new club in the French league: "In France it's difficult. I've been in France for three weeks and it has chilled me to hear quite a lot of managers saying they are scared of my character.

"I think the best thing now for me is to go back to England and shine there."

Robert may well still spend time with the Blues depending on the success of his spell with the Rams.

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