Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi is reportedly keen on a move to newly promoted Hull City, while the Blues are in talks with released Sunderland left-back Ian Harte, according to Sunday's tabloids.
The Tigers are believed to be ready to hijack Town's move for Ameobi, who is understood to prefer a move to a club nearer to Tyneside. A switch to Hull would also allow the former England U21 international to remain in the Premier League, something the Newcastle press says he is keen to do.
Yesterday, Town boss Jim Magilton admitted his interest in Ameobi but says no bid has yet been made, only an enquiry and he wants to talk to the 26-year-old when he returns from his honeymoon.
Earlier in the week, reports in Newcastle claimed the Blues and Magpies had agreed a fee of an initial £2 million plus another £1 million on appearances and £500,000 if Town reach the Premier League.
Town's interest Harte was first reported in early April when Norwich City and Leicester were both also said to be targeting the 30-year-old, who has been released by the Black Cats after one season at the Stadium of Light.
The ex-Leeds man has been mentioned in connection with the Blues on a number of subsequent occasions, with the Foxes likely to have dropped out of the race after their relegation and Norwich not linked in any recent reports.
With Harte a free agent at the end of the month, Town would, as reported, be able to talk personal terms with the Irishman's representatives, while the Blues are very much in need of a left-back. David Wright ended the season playing that role, but is happier on the right, while Dan Harding and Matt Richards are out of favour and have been transfer-listed.
The Blues are generally short of full-backs with the right-sided Fabian Wilnis, Sito and Michael Synnott all leaving the club over the summer.
Capped 64 times by the Republic of Ireland, scoring 11 goals, Harte played for the Dublin youth side Home Farm which also produced Owen Garvan, Shane Supple, Michael Synnott and Alan Lee, and where Garvan's father Gerry is a coach.
Harte moved to Leeds in 1995 and made 270 starts and 18 sub appearances while at Elland Road, scoring 39 goals, before joining Spanish side Levante on a Bosman in the summer of 2004.
After four seasons with the Valencia-based club, Harte was released at the end of 2006/07 when he joined Sunderland on a Bosman.