TWTD understands that French midfielder Cheick Kourouma has agreed terms with Town and is set to put pen to paper before the start of the season. Last month, we were first to reveal the Blues’ interest in the 19-year-old, who is currently without a club.

The 6ft-tall central midfield man, who was on trial with Town at the end of last season having been recommended by now-released defender Ibrahima Sonko, spent the first half of last season with Genoa CFC Primavera, Genoa’s U20 team, having previously been in Spain with Real Zaragoza’s youth set-up and before that with French club Sochaux.

Although Paris-born Kourouma is a free agent, Town have to agree development compensation terms with all three of his previous clubs as he is below 23 years of age.

Speaking at the press briefing called after Bryan Klug’s appointment as academy director, chief executive Simon Clegg was keeping tight-lipped about the Blues’ current transfer activity: “The situation is as normal — when I’ve got something to tell you, I’ll tell you but what I’m not going to do is fuel speculation.”

He confirmed that there are talks regarding new signings taking place but no more than that: “There are ongoing discussions.”

Regarding claims that the Blues are close to making a move for Derby striker Steve Davies, he added: “I read the speculation with interest.”

Meanwhile, TWTD understands that Town’s football operations manager Wayne Coghlan left the club at the end of the season following a restructuring of the roles and responsibilities of coaching support staff.

Photo: Action Images

BLUEBEAT added 22:43 - Jun 13 I could fly Up into the sky Eating happiness pie
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Mr_Fantasmo added 22:43 - Jun 13 Yaaay! Hopefully he's not injured :D
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bluethroughnthrough added 22:43 - Jun 13 Bit worried as to why this guy has 3 previous clubs at such a young age - but won't judge till I see him play. Would be good to see some European flair in the team.
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casanovacrow added 22:45 - Jun 13 nice to see use making progress at last, shame its not for either a center back or goalkeeper but its a step in the right direction
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Warkys_Tash added 22:46 - Jun 13 I know nothing about this player, does anyone else? Let's hope PJ has unearthed a gem, fingers crossed. On another subject, Phil. I see that Nick Powell, that we were linked to last season, (from Crewe) has just been signed by Man Utd. Why didn't the club take a gamble and snap him up when it seemed we had a chance?!
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Crock added 22:47 - Jun 13 He don't even have a wikipedia page so he can't be any good.
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casanovacrow added 22:48 - Jun 13 The Powell thing we were laughed at by the crew manager for thinking we could get him for 2million, they knew he was going to goto a bigger club.
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Michael11 added 22:52 - Jun 13 Not sure if i'm concerned he's had 3 different clubs at such a young age, Plus i hope hes not an expensive transfer if we have to agree a deal with 3 clubs to sign him.
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Sindre94 added 22:55 - Jun 13 The new Vieira? And hes had 3 clubs in his past, so what? Doesnt mean anything... Great news
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JimmyJazz added 22:56 - Jun 13 Why the vague 'set to put pen to paper before the start of the season' if he's agreed terms? That means he could sign in 2 months time, what's the hold up?
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walberswick added 23:04 - Jun 13 It gives him time to find something better.
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radiogaga added 23:09 - Jun 13 Aye curumba! or should I be saying 'Aye Kourouma' Good on ya Cheick, welcome to ITFC
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AlanMahon2011 added 23:10 - Jun 13 Without a club!? Say's it all...
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Sindre94 added 23:18 - Jun 13 @AlanMahon2011 - I start to question peoples knowledge about football writing comments like that. Drogba, Craig Gordon, Michael Owen, Kalou, Malouda, Martin Petrov, Andy Johnson, Fortune, Rodallega, Hoilett, MANY players are without a club now mate. It doesnt mean they arent any good, does it?
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bluey420 added 23:53 - Jun 13 It beggars belief n stupidity that any fan can criticise a player u have never seen people mention 3 clubs so close 2 each other Genoa couldn't afford 2 kept him n before that it's well known Real Zaragoza r seriously struggling financially that clears that up: working on other transfers as well Clegg has said in this piece don't blame the club never responding too speculation n rumours if u tell the world we have interest/ bid 4 x y z then other clubs r then alerted 2 that player being available unless your Man City PSG Real Madrid or Barcelona you keep your cards close 2 your chest: still interesting 2 see who the GK will b I'd prefer a older player with experience that can organise n communicate with his defence that's the biggest position we have too fill this summer: COYB

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RIPbobby added 00:05 - Jun 14 Sounds a bit like another one for the future. Probably need to get a couple in that are ready made for the team PJ. But hopefully will turn out to be a good signing.
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Garv added 00:58 - Jun 14 I wouldn't go out of my way to get any more midfielders now to be honest. Goalkeeper and defender (maybe two) now please. Murphy hopefully, think that one might drag on though. That'll be the defence more or less sorted, decent midfield options with Bullard, Drury, Hyam, Cheik and Stevenson, and JET, Carson and Murphy for the wings. That leaves a striker. I like the look of Davies at Derby, bit of height, sweet left foot and a decent goals tally last season when you see how many appearances he made. Personally can't see it happening but I can hope. Failing that, Wickham would be a fantastic loan signing.

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Garv added 01:00 - Jun 14 Totally forgot about Martin!! Another wing option, thought that area looked a bit light! Better through the middle though no doubt.
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Mr_Evans added 01:08 - Jun 14 Finally a little European flair!! The Southampton side of last season had quite abit, so hopefully some attractive football. PJ given the right money can unearth a good foreign player, he had quite a few at Wigan. Excited about the forth coming season!! My first season ticket in 7 years. COYB!!
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NoCanariesAllowed added 01:19 - Jun 14 I can already imagine it... "Hey, Cheick-Kourouma Cheick-Kourouma Cheick-Kourouma, Heyyyyyyy Cheick Kourouma!" Promising start to the transfer window as far as approach towards youth is concerned.
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East_of_England added 05:49 - Jun 14 Sound promising. Bluey, spot on about former clubs. Genoa have gone nuts and have way to many players on their payroll. That said, remember that you also can type "c" instead of "see".
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brittaniaman added 07:27 - Jun 14 Can he play in goal ???
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BlueBoots added 08:06 - Jun 14 I hope Clegg had the good sense to agree the compensation packages with the 3 clubs in Euros...by the time we get around to paying it we'll be getting Kourouma for half the price...
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evansblue added 08:10 - Jun 14 Sounds a good signing to me. A young player with something to prove and hopefully on the way up in the game. It's nice to se the young players grow with the club as when we sign the older ones there is far more expectation that they should be able deliver immediately. Sadly of late they have often failed. Striker, goalie and a centre back and lets get the season started

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Bergholtblue added 08:22 - Jun 14 "Town's football operations manager Wayne Coghlan left the club" - Who? and what the heck does a 'football operations manager' do?
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