Town keeper-coach Malcolm Webster watched Colchester United lose 1-0 at home to Oldham this afternoon, increasing speculation that the Blues are showing interest in U’s keeper Sam Walker.
Boss Mick McCarthy recently made two trips to catch the Essex side in action with Walker the standout performer on both occasions.
Town supporter Walker, who is 6ft 6in tall, joined the U's on a permanent basis from Chelsea in January following a couple of loan spells, signing an 18-month contract.
The 22-year-old previously spent time on loan with Barnet, Northampton, who he helped to a Capital One Cup victory at Portman Road in 2011, Yeovil and Bristol Rovers.
A youth player with local side Gravesend and Northfleet and then Millwall prior to moving to Chelsea's academy, he won the 2010 FA Youth Cup while at Stamford Bridge but failed to make a senior appearance.
Meanwhile, Blues boss McCarthy and assistant Terry Connor are running the rule over Monday's opponents AFC Bournemouth as they take on Sheffield Wednesday at Dean Court this afternoon.