Blackburn Rovers have terminated Town target Pascal Chimbonda’s contract with immediate effect. The former Wigan man’s Ewood Park deal was due to end in the summer.
The Blues and QPR are both understood to be chasing the 31-year-old, with the Championship leaders previously having been reported to be offering £500,000 for the right-back, leading to speculation that Town could offer a similar fee, something which would be unnecessary now that he is a free agent.
Chimbonda's agent Willie McKay says there are several interested parties: "Pascal is looking for a new club and he has a number of options he is considering.
"Pascal is disappointed at how things have ended up at Blackburn as he could have signed a long-term deal at West Ham in the last transfer window.
"Pascal is ready for a new challenge and he is prepared to sign a short-term deal until June to get back playing again.
"Pascal is a great free transfer as he can play anywhere across the back and has a wealth of experience having played in the Premier League for five seasons."
Earlier this afternoon, Paul Jewell, who brought Chimbonda into English football when Wigan boss, confirmed that he had made an enquiry regarding the former French international: "I’ve made lots of phone calls and I’ve spoken to [Blackburn manager] Steve Kean about a couple of things and Pascal’s name did come up in conversation, but to see in the paper that we’ve bid £500,000 is complete nonsense.
"I just asked generally about what would be available. I’ve made lots of phone calls, as I’ve had lots of phone calls.
"I asked him what the situation is and he said he’d think about it. Whether Pascal Chimbonda is part of his plans, I don’t 100% know. I’ll leave that to Steve.”
Chimbonda is evidently not in Kean’s plans and a switch to the Blues, QPR or another unnamed interested party looks likely in the days to come.