Derby County right-back Paul Connolly has emerged as a Town target on what promises to be a busy final day of the transfer window at Portman Road. The Blues are understood to have made an offer to the Rams for the 25-year-old, but have not yet met their valuation.
Liverpool-born Connolly came through Plymouth’s youth system, making his senior debut on the final day of the 2000/01 season.
After 171 starts, six sub appearances, one goal and a short loan spell with non-league Bideford, the 6ft tall defender moved on to Derby on a free transfer in May 2008.
Connolly was subsequently named captain at Pride Park, but this season Robbie Savage has take over the armband. Despite this, the full-back has featured in all six of Derby’s games this season and overall has made 54 starts and one sub appearance, scoring once.
A right-back has appeared to be amongst Roy Keane’s targets all summer with Tottenham’s Chris Gunter, who has since joined Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United’s Danny Simpson, now on loan at Newcastle, having been linked earlier in the close season.
At the weekend, Keane left David Wright out of the side which drew with Preston and a successful move for Connolly may see Wright on his way as a result, with Reading understood to be interested.
Meanwhile, the fee the Blues have agreed with Sunderland for Grant Leadbitter and Carlos Edwards is reported to be £2.8 million rising to £4 million. The duo are understood to have continued talks regarding personal terms over the weekend.
Edwards is understood to be close to agreeing terms, but has already flown to Honduras ahead of Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup qualifier against the Central Americans. Leadbitter is continuing discussions.
Burnley are again linked with Town midfielder Owen Garvan. Last week, the Clarets were reported to be ready to offer £1 million for the Republic of Ireland U21 international, but at the time Roy Keane said he had heard nothing from Owen Coyle’s club.
Elsewhere, Reading are reported to be the club who are set to take reported Town target Darren O’Dea on loan. The Blues are less likely to be looking at the Celtic central defender with Sheffield Wednesday’s Richard Wood set to sign today.
Former Town loanee Simon Walton has joined Crewe on loan for the season after falling out of favour at Plymouth.
The transfer window closes at 5pm this afternoon.