Town are targeting Sheffield United’s striker Ched Evans, according to reports in South Yorkshire. Blues boss Paul Jewell is understood to be a long-time admirer of the 6ft tall frontman, who was previously chased by former manager Roy Keane prior to his £3 million July 2009 move to the recently relegated Blades.
As a schoolboy, Evans, 22, was with Chester City but moved on to Manchester City in 2002 when the Deva Stadium club's youth set-up closed.
The St Asaph-born striker made his senior debut for Manchester City in September 2007 in a Carling Cup tie against Norwich City, who he joined on loan in the following November with his opportunities at Eastlands having been limited to five starts and 15 sub appearances which yielded one goal.
In six months at Carrow Road, the Welshman made 20 starts and eight games from the bench, scoring 10 goals, one of those against the Blues in a 2-1 Town win at Portman Road.
For Wales, he has won 13 caps at full level, scoring two goals, having netted nine in nine for the U21s and one in four for the U19s.
Evans, who has one year remaining on his £15,000-a-week Blades contract, had a difficult first season at Bramall Lane, scoring only four games in 23 starts and 13 matches as a substitute.
Despite Sheffield United’s poor season, Evans has enjoyed a better campaign this time around, scoring nine times in 27 starts and eight sub appearances. Even so, he is likely to be available for a fee significantly lower than the one the Blades paid for him.
Tony Mowbray and Middlesbrough are also believed to be eyeing the situation, while Evans’s previous loan at Norwich has led to speculation that the Canaries might also be interested.