Reports that the club have offered a deal to Canadian international Sandro Grande appear premature with Town still considering whether to sign the midfielder. Manager Joe Royle will watch the former Brescia man today in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Colchester United.

Earlier, it was reported that Grande, who recently left US A-League side the Montreal Impact, has been offered a deal with the Blues, however, Royle is still monitoring the situation.

Having left the Impact during the current season, Grande, who holds an EU passport via his Italian parentage, was unable to receive international clearance to play in any reserve games and Town won't make a decision on him until they have seen him in match action.

Royle told the club site that today's game has been arranged specifically to assess the 27-year-old: "We have arranged a game so that we can have a look at Sandro in a match situation.

"He has done well in training and we will have a better idea of where we go from here after watching the game."

Even if Grande impresses Royle the Blues wouldn't be able to sign him until the transfer window opens in January and the two-time Canadian international is expected to return home later this week.

Striker Pablo Couñago, who has turned down the chance of a month on loan at Preston, will also play in today's game, as will fellow first teamers Dean Bowditch and Matt Richards.

Royle has confirmed that the Blues are still waiting for 17-year-old Canadian winger Jaime Peters to make a decision on his future, with Town hopeful that he will follow national side skipper Jason De Vos to Portman Road.

Peters's lack of an EU passport looks likely to mean he will be unable to join a UK club until after his 18th birthday in May.

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