Town are again being linked with a move for former striker James Scowcroft. Boss Joe Royle made an enquiries about the Leicester frontman in the summer and earlier in the season, and has long been a fan of the West Suffolk man.

New Leicester manager Craig Levein is about to complete deals for striker Mark De Vries and defender Alan Maybury from his former club Hearts, and the report claims this leaves the way open for Scowcroft to leave the Walkers Stadium.

Town boss Joe Royle has admitted that he made enquiries regarding Scowcroft in the summer and shortly after Levein took over at Leicester, and has said he has rated Scowcroft since his time as manager of Manchester City.

Royle has made a couple of player enquiries in the last few days but says he has not made any approach regarding the former England U21.

Shortly after he joined Leicester, Levein said Scowcroft was very much in his plans and the Bury-based player has been a regular starter all season.

Even if Leicester are prepared to allow Scowcroft to leave, they are likely to ask a fee for the striker, who joined them from the Blues for £3 million in the summer of 2001. Whether Town would have the funds available for a fee or to cover Scowcroft's wages is questionable.

Premiership clubs are also reported to have been tracking the 29-year-old, although Norwich City have ruled out trying to sign him.

With Scowcroft out of contract in the summer, the most likely scenario may be that he returns to his home club on a Bosman in the summer if the Blues continue their current form and are promoted to the Premiership.

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