Boss Jim Magilton says he still hopes to sign left-back Ben Thatcher despite the free agent joining Wolves on trial earlier in the week. Magilton has also confirmed his interest in David Nugent, while Italian sources continue to link the Blues with Chievo Verona striker Erjon Bogdani.

Magilton says Thatcher, who went on Town's pre-season trip to Belfast, is currently considering his options: "I'm still trying with Ben Thatcher but even if we got him I would still like to bring in another defender as well.

"Ben, with his quality and experience, is weighing up his own options and I have absolutely no problem with that. Once he is absolutely sure then we will put a proposition to him and if he accepts then he will be a good addition to our squad. If not we move on and go for someone else.”

Magilton has confirmed his interest in Nugent, as widely reported yesterday: "I would go back in for Nugent because I know he can live at this level and we know he enjoys scoring at Portman Road as we know. He is someone I know could take us to where we want to go.”

Last night national newspaper reports claimed a deal is closer than Magilton is letting on with the Blues offering a fee of £3.5 million rising to £5 million for the 23-year-old, who is said to be due at Portman Road for a medical in the next couple of days.

Town are also interested in speaking to Celtic central defender Bobo Balde, but the Guinean international looks set to join Sunderland.

Meanwhile, in Italy, Chievo Verona frontman Erjon Bogdani is again being linked with the Blues. Town are reported to be set for talks with the Serie A club regarding the Albanian when Chievo face QPR in a friendly at Loftus Road on Saturday.

The 31-year-old 6ft 3in tall striker was first mentioned in connection with a move to the Blues yesterday.

Elsewhere, Derby have revealed the Blues paid the Rams a £200,000 loan fee to sign keeper Stephen Bywater in January. The former West Ham man is set for a shock move to Spurs in the next few days.

Town won last night's Twenty20 cricket match against Ipswich and East Suffolk at Chantry Park by three wickets. Ipswich and East Suffolk were restricted to 147 for six, but the Blues managed 148 for seven. David Wright top scored for Town with 29, while boss Jim Magilton hit 27 not out.

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