Town are eyeing Liverpool youngster Ryan McLaughlin as a potential replacement for Tyrone Mings, according to one of this morning’s tabloids.
The Daily Star reports that the Blues are trailing the 20-year-old, who is yet to make a senior appearance for the Reds having joined them from Northern Irish side Glenavon as a 16-year-old.
Belfast-born McLaughlin spent time on loan at Barnsley last season, making nine appearances.
Capped twice by Northern Ireland at full level, McLaughlin wouldn’t appear to be a direct potential replacement for Mings as he is a right-back - as is his older brother Conor who plays for Fleetwood - but may be viewed as possible cover at full-back with Jonny Parr preferring to operate on the left.
Previously the Blues were reported to be keeping tabs on Charlton’s 21-year-old left-back Morgan Fox.
Mings continues to be linked with Arsenal and various other Premier League clubs in most of today’s papers.
The Gunners are still believed to be the frontrunners to sign the 21-year-old with manager Arsene Wenger having previously confirmed his interest. The Frenchman has said he has money to spend in January.
Elsewhere, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, QPR and Crystal Palace are amongst those to have watched the former Chippenham Town man in action in recent weeks.
Speaking on Friday, Town boss Mick McCarthy insisted that it would take an "absolutely astronomical” bid to persuade the Blues to sell Mings or one of his team-mates in January.
Meanwhile, former Blues chief executive Simon Clegg is again being linked with the role of general secretary of the FA with current incumbent Alex Horne stepping down next month.
Clegg, 53, is reportedly the leading contender with Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan also amongst those being considered.
Clegg, who left the Blues after almost four years at the club in February 2013, is currently the chief operating officer of the inaugural European Games, which will be held in Baku next summer.