Town are reported to have completed the signing of Derby County keeper Stephen Bywater on loan until the end of the season. Bywater comes in as a replacement for Neil Alexander, who joined Rangers yesterday.

News of Town's interest in the former West Ham keeper first broke last night when a national newspaper reported on their website that the Blues would move for either the 26-year-old or Wigan's Carlo Nash.

The Mancunian started his career at Rochdale but moved on to West Ham in 1998 where he made 67 appearances and almost as many loan moves. The former England U21 international spent spells at Wycombe, Wolves, Hull City, Cardiff and finally Derby, making his move permanent in August 2006 for £225,000.

Bywater, who wears the number 43 shirt in tribute to his West Ham coach Les Sealey, who died at the age of 43, is best known to Town fans for his spat with Alex Bruce at the end of last season which saw them both red-carded. He has been Derby's first choice keeper but Roy Carroll's signing, a move facilitated by Alexander's switch to Rangers, would see his opportunities limited at Pride Park.

The 6ft 2in tall keeper has won promotion from the Championship via the play-offs two seasons running with West Ham and then Derby.

Town are also reported to be continuing their pursuit of Leicester City central defender Gareth McAuley. Yesterday, a potential deal seemed dead with the Foxes vowing to keep the Northern Irishman and offer him improved terms.

This morning's latest transfer rumour is a claim in South Yorkshire that the Blues will move for Sheffield United striker Rob Hulse before the end of the day. A move for a new frontman seems likely if Alan Lee decides to move on to Coventry City.

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