Derby County’s Jason Shackell is reported to be on Town’s radar as they look to secure central defensive cover ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline.
According to Sun on Sunday reporter Alan Nixon, the Blues are keen on taking the 33-year-old, who previously played for Mick McCarthy at Wolves, on loan although his wages may prove to be a stumbling block.
Town’s number one target remains Brighton’s Connor Goldson but, as reported earlier, that move is in jeopardy as the Seagulls’ attempt to take Club Brugge defender Stefano Denswil on loan has collapsed.
Albion are trying to land another defender as cover which would allow Goldson to complete his season-long loan switch to the Blues, while Town are looking at alternative options with the reported interest in Shackell little surprise given his history with McCarthy.
Stevenage-born Shackell came through the youth ranks and made his first senior appearances at Norwich City before joining McCarthy's Wolves on summer deadline day in 2008.
However, he was unable to establish himself at Molineux, making only four starts and nine sub appearances, before returning to Carrow Road on loan in February 2009.
A further loan at Doncaster followed before the 6ft 4in tall defender moved on to Barnsley and then Derby. After a spell at Burnley between 2012 and 2015 he returned to the Rams, signing a three-year deal.
Shackell has made only one Carabao Cup appearance this season having missed the last few months of last season with a back injury.
Despite his limited appearances at Wolves, McCarthy has previously had praise for his former player when he has faced the Blues.