Boss Joe Royle says he is aware of Sunderland's interest in Tommy Miller. The out-of-contract midfielder has been offered a new two-year deal with the Blues but seems virtually certain to move to Wearside.

Royle appears resigned to losing Miller, whose house in Suffolk was recently put on the market: "I am aware of interest in Tommy from Sunderland and I can't say I am surprised. I suspect he may have another agenda.

"If I was the manager of a club going up to the Premiership and I saw that a 15-goal midfielder was available on a Bosman I would be very interested."

Town have also offered Shefki Kuqi a new two-year deal and Royle is waiting to hear back from the striker who is currently away with Finland.

Skipper Jim Magilton and Dutch full-back Fabian Wilnis are mulling over new one-year contracts and Royle is keen to get an answer from all three as soon as possible.

The Town manager has thanked released defender Drissa Diallo for his contribution during his two years with the Blues: "He has been honest, dedicated and a true professional throughout his time with us. He has also been a bit unlucky.

"Drissa played 25 games last season and we only lost three of them and he was playing regularly, although not in his natural position, until he was
injured in December."

Jason De Vos and Richard Naylor have become established as Town's first choice central defenders, while Gerard Nash, Chris Casement and Aidan Collins all look like excellent prospects.

Diallo's departure means Town's options at right-back are reduced and Royle may look to the transfer market, with academy full-backs Michael Synnott and Sammy Moore perhaps too young for regular involvement in the first team.

Striker Pablo Couñago has gone to Spain for a short break and is expected to be offered a new deal when he returns, but on very much reduced terms.

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