Blues boss Paul Jewell is hoping to beat Bolton to the signature of Leeds United keeper Andy Lonergan, according to a national newspaper. The Town manager is ready to offer the Whites their £200,000 asking price for the 28-year-old, who was previously a Blues target in 2008 during Jim Magilton’s time as boss when at hometown club Preston.
Leeds are willing to allow the 6ft 3in tall keeper to leave now that they have completed the signing of Paddy Kenny from QPR.
Lonergan is well known to Bolton manager Owen Coyle, who has confirmed his interest: "There are a number of goalkeepers that have been in the frame, and Andy is one that has been mentioned.
"He's a goalkeeper I've known about for many years and he played against my Burnley team for Preston in a season that he was probably the outstanding keeper in the whole Championship.
"There was a lot of interest from Everton at the time, I'm led to believe, so I know all about him, but there are three or four others out there at the moment, so we'll see what the next couple of weeks bring."
Leeds boss Neil Warnock has confirmed that his club has turned down a bid for Lonergan, who has two years left on his contract at Elland Road: "We have an offer from a Championship club for Andy Lonergan, but it wasn't what we would call acceptable."
Coyle wants Lonergan to compete with Hungarian Adam Bogdan for a first team place, while a more regular spot is likely at Portman Road.
Capped by the Republic of Ireland, who he qualifies for through his grandparents, at U16 level and England at U20, Lonergan also had loan spells at Darlington, Blackpool, Wycombe Wanderers and Swindon while with Preston, joining Leeds for an initial fee of £200,000 a year ago.
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