Midfielder Tommy Miller could be on his way back to Hartlepool in the January transfer window, according to one of Sunday's tabloids. Meanwhile, the Blues and Crystal Palace have been linked with Watford defender Adrian Mariappa.

Miller is out of contract at the end of the season and like all Town's 14 players whose deals are up in June is yet to be offered new terms. Town's penalty king, 30 next month, was recalled to the side which drew 2-2 at Coventry on Saturday, but has only occasionally been involved with the Blues first team this season.

During his previous spell at Victoria Park, Miller played under current Hartlepool caretaker-boss Chris Turner. Miller joined Town from the League One side in the summer of 2001 prior to his spell with Sunderland and his return to Portman Road in 2007.

Central defender or right-back Mariappa is reportedly interesting Town and Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old, who came through Watford's youth set-up, has been a regular in the Hornets' side this season.

The Harrow-born defender is out of contract at the end of the season and is likely to be available at a bargain price with Watford wanting to avoid allowing the 5ft 11in tall defender to leave on a Bosman in the summer.

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