Derby County manager Nigel Clough has confirmed that Blues boss Roy Keane has been in contact and that defender Jay McEveley’s name was one of those mentioned. Keane, who played alongside Clough at Nottingham Forest, says he has made one or two enquiries with the transfer window opening last Monday.
McEveley, who previously spent time on loan with the Blues in 2005/06 and is out of contract next summer, was linked with a return to Portman Road on Friday. Previously, his Rams team-mate Rob Hulse was also reported to be a Town target.
Clough says Keane has been in touch on a number of occasions: "I have spoken to Roy a couple of times about a few players, some of ours and some of his. Jay was one of the names mentioned but we've heard nothing since then.
"Jay has got six months left on his contract, so he is free to talk to anyone about a move if he wants to.
"We held preliminary talks about a new contract with his agent but they have been put on hold for the time being."
Derby confirmed their interest in Town striker Jon Stead in October, although given his recent goalscoring run it's unlikely that the Blues would sell the 26-year-old, who spent time on loan at Pride Park in 2006/07.
Town manager Keane has confirmed that he has been in touch with clubs about a couple of potential targets: "I have made one or two enquiries as you would expect at this time of year.”