On-loan full-back or midfielder Matt Richards says he would consider turning his move to Brighton into a permanent switch in January. Richards is with the Seagulls for his third spell at present.

The former England U21 international said: "I haven't really thought about where my permanent future lies. I enjoy it down here, so it would definitely be something I would take into consideration when the time comes.”

Richards's contract with the Blues is up at the end of the season and it is likely that Town would allow him to leave on a free transfer in January.

The 23-year-old faces another Town loanee this evening when Albion take on Dan Harding's Southend United at Roots Hall.

Meanwhile, the Blues are reportedly still talking to Newcastle regarding striker Shola Ameobi. After the proposed £2.5 million permanent move broke down due to a hamstring injury earlier in the week, the Blues began talks with the Magpies about a possible loan switch which if successful would later become a longer term deal.

Fulham full-back Moritz Volz is still said to be considering his options with no decision on his future likely before the weekend. Town have had a £300,000 fee accepted by the Cottagers, but Volz is reported to have other clubs interested in signing him.

David Sheepshanks would leave his job with Town if he is offered the FA's chief executive's role, according to reports. The position currently occupied by Brian Barwick is a full-time role and there seems little chance of anyone being offered the job on a part-time basis.

Sheepshanks is seen as an outsider with Manchester United chief executive David Gill and the FA's chief operating officer Alex Horne believed to be the favourites.

Elsewhere, perennial Town target David Healy has joined Sunderland from Fulham on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

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