Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham are understood to have enquired about the loan availability of 21-year-old Everton centre-half Shane Duffy.
Duffy came through the youth system at Everton and has so far made four starts — two in the Premier League — and six sub appearances for the Toffeemen.
The 6ft 4in tall defender has previously spent time on loan at Burnley, where his only appearance came in Town’s 2-1 victory at Turf Moor in April 2011, and Scunthorpe.
Capped by Northern Ireland at U16, U17, U18, U21 and B levels, Derry-born Duffy switched allegiance to the Republic of Ireland and has won caps with their U19s and U21s.
In May 2010, he underwent life-saving surgery after suffering a freak liver injury while playing for a Republic of Ireland development side.
Speaking earlier this week Everton coach Alan Stubbs said he expected Duffy to go out on loan: "It’s probably been frustrating for Shane.
"He hasn’t had as much playing time as he would have liked. There’s an opportunity or a possibility that Shane could go out on loan to get some invaluable experience.
"It’s just to get that competitive element to his game to make sure his mind is switched on. He’s gone past reserve-team football. He needs first-team action.”
Town manager Mick McCarthy has said that his squad is probably one centre-half short with Tommy Smith, Christophe Berra and Luke Chambers the only senior central defenders at the club.
With Chambers having switched to right-back in recent games, the Blues boss — who is believed to have initially shown interest in Duffy in the summer - may be looking for additional cover.