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Birmingham's Sadler Linked - Ipswich Town News

Town are one of a number of Championship sides interested in Birmingham left-back Mat Sadler, according to one of Sunday's tabloids. Wolves, Watford and Stoke City are all said to be keeping tabs on the 22-year-old.

Sadler has made only five starts and two sub appearances for Birmingham this season with Franck Queudrue moving from Fulham in the summer. The former England U16 and U17 captain is likely to get even fewer chances if Alex McLeish signs Hibernian's David Murphy during the transfer window.

The Solihull-born player has spent his entire career with Birmingham, aside from a eight-game loan spell at Northampton at the end of 2003 and start of 2004. Overall, the 5ft 11in tall full-back has made 58 starts and three substitute appearances for the Midlanders since making his debut in a Carling Cup tie against Leyton Orient in 2002 with injuries having limited his chances.

Sadler signed a new three-year deal in the summer which would mean he is likely to fetch a seven-figure fee.

Elsewhere, Southampton are reported to be entering the race for David Norris's signature. George Burley made two unsuccessful bids for the 26-year-old in the summer, but is now said to be in a position to make renewed efforts to take the midfielder to St Mary's.

Town continue discussions with the Pilgrims, having had their initial bid of £1 million rising to £1.5 million turned down. Norwich City, Leicester City and Crystal Palace have also been linked.

Meanwhile, Ian Miller celebrated his permanent move to Darlington with a goal in the Quakers' 3-0 defeat of Bury.

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