TWTD understands that former Watford and Reading boss Brendan Rodgers has held meetings at Portman Road to discuss becoming the club’s assistant manager. Last month, we reported that Rodgers was top of Roy Keane’s list of potential deputies, the Blues boss having decided to appoint an assistant at the end of the season.
Rodgers, who coached Jose Mourinho’s reserves at Chelsea, met Keane while they were studying for their UEFA Pro Licences and the two are close friends.
The 37-year-old Northern Irishman has been linked with a number managerial roles in recent weeks - including the MK Dons and Colchester jobs - but appears most likely to be joining the Blues before the start of the new season.
Meanwhile, Burnley are reported to have joined the race to sign Peterborough United midfielder George Boyd. Town, Derby County and Middlesbrough are also understood to be chasing the Scotland B international.
The Blues are eyeing Boyd, 24, for the problem left midfield role, but may be put off by Peterborough’s £2 million price-tag. Tottenham youngster Andros Townsend is viewed as a potential alternative option if ex-Stevenage man Boyd goes elsewhere or if the fee can’t be negotiated downwards.
Town also face a fight if Roy Keane wants Scunthorpe’s Gary Hooper to join his striking ranks over the summer. Hooper, linked with the Blues on a number of occasions in recent weeks, is again claimed to be a £2 million Celtic target in this morning’s papers.
Elsewhere, former Blues boss Jim Magilton continues to be linked with the vacant manager’s job at Colchester United with a bookie reportedly suspending betting on his appointment.