Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy got as far as having a medical with Town but will join Hull City this week, according to reports on Wearside. The Blues agreed a £5 million joint fee for the Irish striker and Dean Whitehead last week, but appear set to miss out on both signings.
Over the weekend, Hull were reported to have matched Town's £1.2 million offer for Murphy with the player understood want to remain in the top flight and on Premier League wages at the KC Stadium.
Hull are back from an Italian pre-season trip on Wednesday when further developments on the deal are expected.
If the Irish international decides against joining the Blues it will be the second time Town have missed out on his signing. During the 2004/05 season the ex-Waterford frontman spent several spells on trial at Playford Road before opting for a move to Sunderland.
Whitehead is also believed to be ready to snub his former Sunderland manager with Stoke reported to be interested in signing the ex-Oxford midfielder.