Town have been linked with a move for Derby County frontman Rob Hulse. Wolves, Newcastle and Middlesbrough are also said to be chasing the £2.5 million-rated striker but the Blues are said to be the frontrunners for his signature.
Hulse, 30, started his career with hometown club Crewe Alexandra before moving on to West Brom, Leeds and Sheffield United.
The 6ft 1in tall striker, who is contracted until 2011, has scored six goals for Derby this season, having joined the Rams in the summer of 2008.
Elsewhere, Town, Sheffield United and Cardiff City are said to be monitoring Marlon Harewood’s time on loan at Newcastle with a view to possibly signing him on a short-term spell from Aston Villa if the Magpies decide not to extend his time on Tyneside. Harewood was previously on loan with the Blues in 1999, scoring one goal in five starts and one sub appearance.
Meanwhile, Hartlepool are reported to be closing in on the loan signing of Colin Healy, as first rumoured earlier in the week. Healy has hardly featured for the Blues since his move from Cork in the summer when Town nipped in ahead of Pools to land the Irish international’s signature.
On Tuesday, chief executive Simon Clegg revealed that the Blues are hoping to seal one or two loan moves out of the club before Christmas.
And finally, young Cheltenham Town keeper Joe Perry is spending time with the Blues this week on work experience. The 17-year-old has previously been named in Welsh U15, U16 and U17 squads.