Derby County boss Nigel Clough has confirmed that his club are in talks with Northampton regarding left winger Michael Jacobs, who is also understood to be interesting the Blues, Peterborough, Watford, Bristol City and Charlton Athletic.
Clough is hopeful of landing Cobblers midfielder, who is out of contract this summer: "We are continuing discussions on that one.
"I don't think there are many 20-year-olds out of contract. There is still compensation to be paid but given he is out of contract and one of the best players in the lower leagues, then there is bound to be other interest in him.
"He fits in well with the sort of player that we have been bringing in — young, with potential.”
Meanwhile, the Blues continue to be linked with out-of-contract Rams midfielder Paul Green, who was brought to Pride Park by Town manager Paul Jewell when he was in charge of Derby.
Leeds are said to be winning the chase with boss Neil Warnock hoping to get the move "sorted by the back end of the week”, while the Blues and Middlesbrough are both claimed to be interested.
Despite having confirmed that he spoke to 29-year-old Green’s agent in January, Jewell played down his interest in the Irish international when asked about him last month: "I know Greeny, I signed him for Derby on a free transfer from Doncaster. He did fine, but he’s not one we’ve enquired about.”
Photo: Action Images