Town are reported to have made a £1 million offer to Stoke City for defender Ryan Shotton. The Blues were mentioned in connection with the 22-year-old yesterday with Burnley understood to have made a similar offer and with Derby also said to be interested.
The clubs are also reported to be willing to consider taking 6ft 3in tall Shotton on loan with his chances of first team football likely to be limited at the Britannia Stadium, although he has recently found a role as a makeshift striker.
Central defender or right-back Shotton came through the ranks at his local club and has previously spent time on loan at Altrincham, Tranmere and Barnsley.
So far his Stoke career consists of three starts and five sub appearances and was involved in both this season’s Europa Cup ties with Hajduk Split.
On Thursday, Blues boss Paul Jewell revealed that he has spoken to Potters boss Tony Pulis and, making reference to Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate, said: "He has [got plenty of centre-halves] and the ones that we were in for he keeps nicking!
"We’re trying to get players in. I’ve spoken to Tony, I’ve spoken to every Premier League manager trying to get players. But it’s so difficult because Premier League teams want to carry big squads. Some of them are in Europe and they have two teams almost.
"It’s really difficult getting players out of Premier League teams and because the transfer window closes on August 31st if they can’t replace them. It’s really a bit of a chicken and egg situation.”
Jewell made an offer for a central defender on Monday but was aware that other clubs were also interested in the player he had targeted.
As of Thursday's pre-match press conference, he was still waiting to hear if the bid had been successful.