Reported Town target Rodolph Austin has seen a move to Sheffield Wednesday scuppered after the FA refused to give the Jamaica international a work permit.
The Blues have been linked with Austin on a number of occasions since February, while Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest were amongst a number of other Championship clubs believed to be chasing the 30-year-old, who skippered the Reggae Boyz in Sunday’s Gold Cup final which they lost 3-1 to Mexico, following his release by Leeds in May.
Wednesday are reported to have offered the midfielder a deal but the move has broken down due to the FA tightening the rules relating to foreign players’ work permits.
Austin’s agent Darryl Powell told Kicca.com: "Rudy has spent the summer playing in the Copa America and then helping Jamaica get to the Gold Cup final.
"He has proved himself as a genuine top Championship performer, there were six big clubs who wanted to sign him.
"But we found out yesterday that the new rules mean they won't allow him a new work permit, which has been a big disappointment.
"His son was born here, Rudy only had two years to stay before he qualified for citizenship and he really wanted to stay and make a life in Britain.
"But there is nothing we can do about it with these new rules. It's just a shame he has been caught up in them. "
Austin, who previously played in Norway with Brann, is now understood to be considering offers from clubs in Turkey and in the MLS.