Town striker Marcus Bent is being linked with a move to either West Ham or Fulham during January's transfer window. Bent returned to action with a goal against Watford last week after a groin operation.

Town are reported to want £3 million for Bent who joined the Blues for a similar price from Blackburn last season.

West Ham are understood to be ready to offer a swap deal, something the Blues would be unlikely to accept given the club's current financial circumstances.

Bent was offered a loan spell with Birmingham back in August but turned down the chance to move to St Andrew's.

David Sheepshanks has said that there is no pressure to sell during the transfer window, however an offer of that size for one of the club's top earners would be a major contribution to improving the finances.

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