TWTD understands that departing Town striker Caolan Lavery is in talks with League Two Bradford City. Yesterday, Blues boss Paul Jewell revealed that the Northern Ireland U21 international had told the club he was moving on having been offered terms by a League Two side.

Jewell said: “His agent got back to me on Monday and said that they have refused Caolan’s contract.

“Because we’ve offered him a contract, we retain rights to compensation. He emailed [club secretary] Sally Webb [on Wednesday] saying that there’s a League Two club that want to take him.”

We understand that long-time admirers Leicester City have offered the Canada-born frontman a trial, while Aston Villa have also been monitoring his situation. Tabloid links with Spurs were dismissed by Blues academy chief Sammy Morgan last season.

Prior to Lavery turning down his contract until the end of the season, the Blues boss had planned to send him out to get first team games: “While he was here I wanted to get him out to Rochdale on loan just to give him experience.

“In my view is that he’s put more credence on money rather than an opportunity. I’m a little bit disappointed in him. But he might tell you that a six-month contract offer is not what he wanted.”

The Bantams are believed to have offered a longer-term deal and an improved chance of regular first team football than would have been likely at Portman Road.

Lavery, whose two-year scholarship was extended until his 19th birthday two weeks ago after he suffered a serious knee injury last season, netted five goals in seven FA Premier Academy League games for the U18s during the early stages of this campaign, plus a further four for the reserves.

Photo: Action Images

pmckrotch added 02:11 - Nov 9 Yep looks like Lavery is banging in the goals elsewhere http://mobile.lcfc.com/runtime/leicestercity/article?articleId=2510555
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