Town target David Nugent says he wants to stay at Portsmouth and prove himself in the Premier League. The Blues are believed to have talked to Pompey regarding a £5 million move, but the 23-year-old frontman isn't interested in a drop into the Championship.
Nugent said: "I do not want to leave. I want to prove I can cut it in the Premier League."
Last week Town were reported to have made an offer of £3.5 million rising to £5 million on promotion for the ex-Preston man. Jim Magilton admitted he was interested in signing Nugent, despite the frontman having turned down a loan move in March, but over the weekend chief executive Derek Bowden denied any formal bid had been lodged.
News of Nugent's lack of interest in a move is likely to see Magilton move on to other targets. Chievo striker Erjon Bogdani, who scored for his side against QPR at the weekend, was reported to be a player interesting the Blues by the Italian press, but Bowden was reported to have denied even knowing who the Albanian striker was over the weekend.
Jon Walters will again be missing from the Town side taking on West Ham this evening as he is in the North-West with his wife Joanne, who is expecting their second child. There were significant complications when their first child was born and Walters has been given compassionate leave and permission to remain in the North-West. The 24-year-old is believed to be training with former club Chester City.
Although we understand there was something in Stoke City's recent interest in the striker or midfielder, it would take a very significant bid for the Blues to sell last season's Player of the Year.
Former Blue Jamie Clapham is training with the Blues at present having failed to win a contract with League One Southend United.
Wycombe Wanderers, Yeovil and Northampton Town have all been linked with loan moves for striker Billy Clarke, Cambridge United having confirmed their interest last week.