TWTD understands that boss Mick McCarthy is giving serious consideration to offering former striker Alan Lee a contract for the season ahead. Lee, 34, returned to the club earlier in the summer to begin coaching in the academy, but as reported this morning has been training with the first team this week.
Former Ireland international Lee was released by Championship Huddersfield Town at the end of last season after three years with the Terriers.
The Blues still have four frontline strikers despite having off-loaded Michael Chopra this week — David McGoldrick, Daryl Murphy, Frank Nouble and Paul Taylor — and we understand Lee is viewed as an additional option as cover or as an impact substitute.
The 6ft 2in tall frontman started his career with Aston Villa and spent time on loan with Torquay and Port Vale while with the Villans.
Galway-born Lee subsequently moved on to Burnley, Rotherham and Cardiff before joining the Blues for a fee £100,000 in January 2006. The striker, who is based at Dedham, went on to make 96 starts and 13 sub appearances, scoring 34 goals, prior to moving on to Crystal Palace in August 2008.
While with the Eagles he spent a short spell on loan at Norwich City towards the end of the 2008/09 relegation season.
Meanwhile, former Blues loanee Bilel Mohsni has signed a two-year deal with Rangers, having left Southend at the end of last season.