Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson is again said to be on Jim Magilton's wish list as he looks to sign a left-sided midfielder. Magilton is still to add a left winger to his squad with a move for Southampton's Rudi Skácel having broken down earlier in the summer.
TWTD first reported that Johnson was on Town's radar back in June and now Magilton is said to have asked Boro about Johnson, although this may just be speculation based on reports yesterday which revealed that 12 Championship clubs are chasing the England U21 international.
Johnson has said he is becoming frustrated with his lack of opportunities at the Riverside: "I am 21 now and I need to be doing something.
"I want to play. It's no secret. The manager knows that and we've had a few chats in pre-season about my position and a lot of things have been mentioned like transfers and loans.
â€ÂI want to be a Boro player, there's no doubt about that. I think we are on the verge of big things here but it is very frustrating sat on the bench week-in, week-out watching games.
â€ÂWe have a small squad and hopefully I am next in line to get a chance but I can't wait for ever. My preference is to stay here, but you never know in football.â€Â
Magilton is quoted as saying he would target a player of Johnson's type if he had the chance to sign one: "If there was a player like that available I would be in there like Flynn.â€Â
Town previously targeted Sunderland-born Johnson last summer but the player had already committed to joining Watford on loan, having previously had a similar spell at Leeds.
Johnson came through the youth system at Middlesbrough but has made only 24 starts and 36 sub appearances, scoring three goals, since making his senior debut in a UEFA Cup tie against Sporting Lisbon in 2005.
West Ham's Kyel Reid is another similar player who has been checked out by the Blues management and may also be under consideration for a loan spell.
Town continue to look for a big striker with Hammers' frontman Carlton Cole claimed to be a possible target this morning.
Contrary to reports elsewhere, the Blues will be able to loan Premier League players outside the transfer window with the Football League confirming to TWTD that the rules on emergency loans are the same as they were for the 2007/08 season.
The emergency loan ‘window' opens a week on Monday and closes on November 27th. Football League sides can loan players from other English clubs for up to a maximum of 93 days.
Meanwhile, a row over an agent's fee is reported to be the reason for the hold-up in Alan Lee's move from Town to Crystal Palace. The Lee deal stalled on Thursday with Palace chairman Simon Jordan reportedly unwilling to pay the player's representative.
The matter was eventually resolved and Lee completed his move to Selhurst Park yesterday evening.
Meanwhile, former Blue James Scowcroft is being linked with a move to Norwich City with Palace boss Neil Warnock happy to allow the ex-England U21 international to move on now that he has signed Alan Lee.