Town boss Paul Jewell was spotted at Deepdale watching Preston North End draw 0-0 with Southend United in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon. The Blues, who one of today’s tabloids claims are watching Cardiff keeper Tom Heaton, have previously been linked with a number of players from the two clubs.
Preston’s 19-year-old frontman Jamie Proctor has been mentioned in connection with Town on a number of occasions this season but wasn’t involved on Saturday having undergone a hernia operation.
Southend youngster Kane Ferdinand was in the Shrimpers’ line-up having been watched by the Blues’ management on a number of occasions last season. The 19-year-old midfielder’s team-mate Anthony Grant, a player Town showed interest in towards the end of last season, missed out due to suspension.
In goal for the Essex side was on-loan West Brom man Luke Daniels, who was also caught in action by assistant boss Chris Hutchings in September.
Manager Jewell is likely to have spent the weekend back home in Yorkshire, with the squad having been given the weekend off.
Elsewhere, the Blues and Brighton are reported to be keeping tabs on 25-year-old Cardiff keeper Tom Heaton.
The former England U21 international is the Bluebirds’ current second choice, although featured in their last two games as regular number one David Marshall was unwell.
Heaton, who is 6ft 2in tall, came through the youth ranks at Manchester United and while at Old Trafford went out on loan to Swindon, Royal Antwerp, Cardiff, QPR, Rochdale and Wycombe.
In June 2010, without having made a first team appearance for the Red Devils, the Chester-born keeper joined the Bluebirds on a permanent basis on a free transfer, signing a contract which is up next summer.
The Blues boss is keen to add a young keeper to his squad with David Stockdale on loan from Fulham until the end of the season and subject to a 24-hour recall clause.