Town are willing to listen to offers for centre-half Damien Delaney, according to one of this morning’s tabloids. The 31-year-old is currently out of the Blues’ first XI with Tommy Smith taking his place alongside Luke Chambers in pre-season games since returning from Olympics duty with New Zealand.

Delaney, who has a year left on his Town contract, was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest last month, although manager Paul Jewell said the club had heard nothing from the Midlands club, who subsequently signed former Blues loanee Danny Collins, a left-sided centre-half like Delaney.

Jewell recently confirmed that he had made a bid for another left-sided centre-back, Doncaster’s George Friend, who decided to join Middlesbrough instead.

The Blues boss is looking to offload players — Jimmy Bullard and Jaime Peters are both set to have their contracts settled — in order to fund further additions to his squad.

Meanwhile, Rangers manager Ally McCoist says he hopes his club will be entitled to a fee if Town target Maurice Edu moves on. Previously it had been understood that having failed to transfer his contract to the Rangers newco Edu was available on a free transfer, although a report yesterday said the Glasgow club would receive £300,000 for the US international.

McCoist admits that even he’s not entirely certain of the situation: “There’s a chance of money for Maurice Edu and Dorin Goian. I’m not sure if that’s the case with Carlos Bocanegra if he decides to leave. To be honest, I’m all claused out when it comes to contracts.”

Elsewhere, Dundee United winger Gary Mackay-Steven, who was linked with the Blues by the Scottish press earlier in the week, is reportedly a target of Swansea and Huddersfield. The Terrors are said to want around £2 million for the Scotland U21 international, a fee which would certainly price Town out of the market.

Photo: Action Images

RetroBlue added 15:21 - Aug 12 So the majority opinion is "get rid" , but until (sensibly) we have got in at least another 2 CB's.......cue Town in their infinite wisdom allow Delaney to leave , probably for sod all fee and we will be down to just 2 CB's. Ive never rated Delaney, but we must keep him for cover until we have got in these CB's. How long have we said we need decent CB's at this Club??

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 15:29 - Aug 12 If Delaney leaves, obviously we need a replacement. If he goes, I wish him well, because whatever your opinion about his ability (and opinions seem to vary quite a bit) he's an honest player who gives his all. Can't ask for more than that.
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RetroBlue added 15:45 - Aug 12 Ive never doubted Delaney honesty . In many ways he reminds me of Naylor. But he simply isnt that good. I think he'd actually be more suited to League One, than Championship. When he came on vs Wet Spam , the difference in quality was stark. He hoofs the ball, rather than play the long, accurate ball out ...or even a short accurate pass seems beyond him. But like you Id wish him well if and perhaps more hopefully , when he goes. But for God's sake I pray we get in a CB first!!

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ChrisFelix added 15:54 - Aug 12 Sums up the club of the last 5 years simply not good enough. A footballer with no brain & the game at Carrow Road when Holt lead him a real dance sums it all up for me. If our club wishes to rejoin the elite there is no room for Delaney, even as a reserve
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DiamondGezzer added 16:31 - Aug 12 Maybe the size of his wage packet needs losing, before the next addition to the defence ?
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BigAlsMate added 16:33 - Aug 12 BigFootBlue - it depresses me, but what you say is probably quite correct!
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RegencyBlue added 16:49 - Aug 12 irishtim - did you ever see Delaney play at left back? It wasnt pretty! He tries 100% but is just not good enough. If there is anything to this I would like to think it indicates Jewell is on the verge of signing a replacement CB.
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JustSpivvyChops added 18:06 - Aug 12 Best Town news i've heard for ages, bye Damien, thanks for naff all.
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J_ITFC_Ring added 18:41 - Aug 12 Hopefully we can get in another center-back before we let him go.
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EatonBlue added 20:11 - Aug 12 Got to keep him as backup in case Chambers takes time to settle in or Smith has another wobble.
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stinkiusminkius added 20:39 - Aug 12 This is exactly the sort of no-nonsense cull that is needed at this club. DD is unfortunately not good enough, and probably on the higher end of our wages so has to go if we are to progress.
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manualthetisfanclub added 20:43 - Aug 12 Taxi for Damo !!!!!!! No seriously don't get rid if you ain't got anybody else lined up as replacement!!! Would be mis-management of the highest order!
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Dowson added 21:40 - Aug 12 jolly good
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UhlenbeekDownTheWing added 10:48 - Aug 13 Apart from a patch of decent performances shortly after his switch from LB (and no he cannot cover there (he puts up a decent fight for the worst LB we have ever signed and probably wins the worst value LB)) to CB he has cost us goals and points on a regular basis. Whilst he would do a job warming the bench, keeping him as a back-up doesn't seem to fit with the way the club is trying to manage its costs (experienced pro signed for best part of 1m is not gonna be on tuppence ha'penny a week).

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