Town’s weekend FA Cup opponents Southampton have been linked with a move for Blues striker Kevin Lisbie, who is currently on loan at Colchester. Meanwhile, Town themselves are reported to be interested in taking Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj on loan.
Lisbie is due to remain with the U’s until the end of the season, but the Blues are willing to listen to offers of permanent deals from other clubs for the 31-year-old. Colchester have said that they are unlikely to be able to afford the fee the Blues want for the striker.
The Town frontman previously played for Saints boss Alan Pardew at Charlton, but was released due to concerns regarding his fitness when at the Valley, although Pardew has since said that despite letting him go he rates the ex-Jamaica international.
Elsewhere, the Blues are said to want to take Aston Villa’s American central defender or right-back Eric Lichaj on loan.
Lichaj, 21, joined Villa in 2007 but is yet to make a first team appearance. Earlier in the season the 5ft 11in tall defender made six appearances while on loan with League Two Lincoln City. The Illinois-born player has been capped by the US at various youth levels.
A right-sided defender doesn’t look to be amongst Roy Keane’s most obvious requirements at present with right-back well covered with Liam Rosenior, David Wright, Alex Bruce and Jaime Peters all able to play there and Bruce able to cover for Gareth McAuley on the right side of central defence.