Town are reported to be targeting young Liverpool left-back Brad Smith.
According to The Sun, the Blues are keen to sign the 21-year-old Australian international on loan, viewing him as a potential replacement for Tyrone Mings, who joined Bournemouth last month.
Smith, who can also play at left midfield, was born in Penrith, New South Wales but moved to England as a 14-year-old and joined Liverpool from school.
Capped by England at U17, U19 and U20 levels - his parents are English - he switched allegiance to Australia and played for their U23s before winning four full caps.
The pacy full-back’s only senior appearance for Liverpool came as a 60th minute sub in a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in 2013.
Last season he spent August to October on loan at Swindon before being recalled due to a contractual issue, having made 10 appearances for the League One side.
Smith’s contract at Anfield was up at the end of June but he was offered a new deal, although it’s not clear whether he has signed it. If he hasn’t and moves elsewhere on a permanent basis, the Reds would be entitled to claim compensation from his new club.
Despite manager Mick McCarthy challenging Jonny Parr to make the left-back position his own in the season ahead, the Blues boss is certain to want to bring in another player to battle the Norwegian for the the shirt.