Newcastle United are reported to have accepted a £3.5 million bid from Town for striker Shola Ameobi. The 26-year-old has been widely tipped for a move away from St James' Park during the summer.
Ameobi, who was first linked with the Blues by sources in the North-East back in March, was born in Nigeria but moved to Newcastle as child, joining the Magpies' youth set-up as a 13-year-old.
The 6ft 3in tall frontman made his senior debut in 2000/01 during Sir Bobby Robson's time as Newcastle manager and has now made 135 starts and 95 sub appearances, scoring 46 goals. Charlie Woods, one-time assistant to Robson at Newcastle and now to Jim Magilton at Portman Road, will know the frontman very well.
A hip injury, surgery and subsequent rehabilitation have reduced the former England U21 international's opportunities in recent seasons and in March, with the Blues apparently watching the situation. Ameobi joined Stoke City on loan, failing to score in three starts and three sub appearances.
Norwich City and Middlesbrough are also believed to be amongst the clubs chasing the striker, who has also been linked with a move to MLS side Toronto FC.
Last week, Stoke were reported to be ready to offer £4 million to sign their former loanee on a permanent basis.