Blackpool's Kaspars Gorkss is the latest centre-half to be linked with a summer move to the Blues. The man-mountain Latvian has been mentioned in connection with innumerable clubs in recent months, including Town's East Anglian rivals Norwich City.
Gorkss, 26, started his career with FK Auda in his home country, with whom his brothers Jorens and Rihards currently play, before moving on to Swedish side ×sters IF in December 2002, joining Assyriska Föreningen, another Swedish club, three years later.
The 6ft 3in tall defender returned to Latvia in 2006 to play for FK Ventspils, making his move to Blackpool in January 2007.
Capped 10 times by Latvia, scoring two goals, Gorkss had an impressive 2007/08 with the Tangerines which led to links with SPL giants Rangers, as well as Championship sides QPR, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Preston North End, Watford and Norwich City.
Town have not previously been mentioned in connection with Gorkss - aside from TWTD Message Board posts - however, boss Jim Magilton watched Blackpool on a number of occasions early in the season with left midfielder Wes Hoolahan his main interest. Magilton ultimately decided against signing the Irishman, but may well have been impressed with his Latvian team-mate.
Leicester's Gareth McAuley is evidently Magilton's preferred option as a replacement for Jason De Vos, however, if that move fails Gorkss looks a not unlikely alternative target or perhaps potential deputy for the Northern Irishman.
Gorkss and Hoolahan are believed to have clauses in their contracts which would allow them to leave if Blackpool receive offers of £250,000. Manager Simon Grayson has already admitted that the Latvian could move on this summer: "You have to be aware that players mentioned, like Gorkss, and others who have attracted interest, could well leave the club.â€Â
Meanwhile, TWTD understands that Town would be interested to talk to former England striker Kevin Phillips if the 34-year-old fails to agree new terms with West Bromwich Albion.
The ex-Sunderland, Watford, Southampton and Villa man, scorer of 24 goals last season as the Baggies won the Championship, is stalling on signing a new contract with Tony Mowbray's side and could be on his way out of the Hawthorns.
Phillips, who came very close to joining the Blues in the summer of 1997, was linked with Leeds United earlier in the week, a report his agent has subsequently dismissed.