TWTD understands that midfielder Gary Roberts is closing in on a move to League One Hudderfield Town. Roberts, who was linked with the Terriers along with Alan Lee earlier in the week, was one of a number of players to miss this morning's open training session.
On Monday, a national newspaper claimed that Huddersfield were set to offer £700,000 for Roberts and Lee, with Terriers boss Stan Ternent subsequently refusing to comment on the report.
Lee's fee was said to constitute the majority of that figure with Roberts, who is contracted to the Blues until 2010, likely to cost the Yorkshire side around £100,000.
The former Accrington man was missing from this morning's open training session at Portman Road, as were Pim Balkestein, David Norris, Jon Walters and the majority of the players who were involved at Tiptree last night. While most were rested due to knocks and niggles ahead of tomorrow's friendly with West Brom, Roberts is understood to be in talks regarding his move.
The left winger has impressed in Town's pre-season campaign up to now, but was one of five players made available by Jim Magilton at the end of the season after a disappointing 2007/08. The Blues' targeting of Czech international left midfielder Rudi Skácel appears to suggest that manager Magilton wants other options on the left of midfield for the season ahead.
This morning's 45-minute session in front of a large crowd in the Britannia Stand middle tier was the first chance for fans to see Kevin Lisbie in action in Town colours, albeit a training kit.
The former Colchester and Charlton man looked sharp in front of goal, finishing clinically on a number of occasions.
Also on show was Honduran trialist Emilio Izaguirre, who also impressed with his sharp skills and powerful left-foot shot.
Perhaps notably, specialist skills coach Steve Foley spent a long period working with central defenders Gareth McAuley and Tommy Smith, perhaps indicating that the youngster, who spent much of last season on loan at Stevenage, is set to start alongside the Northern Irishman when the Blues take on the Baggies on Saturday.
Pim Balkestein, if fit, looks set to continue at left-back, while Alex Bruce was demoted to the reserves at Tiptree last night and Richard Naylor is not yet fully fit after his summer neck surgery.