TWTD understands Premier League Crystal Palace are continuing to pursue their interest in Town's Bartosz Bialkowski, who is their top target as they look to add another keeper to their squad during January.
The Eagles were first mentioned in connection with the 30-year-old just under a fortnight ago with a number of other keepers also having been linked but with Bialkowski, who is contracted until the end of the season with the Blues having an option to keep him for a further year, heading their list of potential recruits.
Town are believed to want at least £4 million for the former Poland U20 international and we understand the Eagles are prepared to meet the asking price with discussions between the clubs currently ongoing.
It’s likely that as with previous deals the Blues would want further top-up payments after appearance milestones are met and a sell-on clause.
Town are unlikely to allow Bialkowski, the club’s Player of the Year for the last two seasons, to move on until they have another keeper lined up with Dean Gerken, 32, currently sidelined with a hip injury.
Third-choice Michael Crowe, 22, may well be handed his Blues debut when Town face Sheffield United in the third round of the FA Cup at Portman Road on Saturday.
Manager Mick McCarthy was already on the lookout for another keeper prior to Palace firming up their interest in Bialkowski as cover for Gerken.
Bialkowski joined the Blues from Notts County on a free transfer in the summer of 2014 - but with the deal including a sell-on clause entitling the Magpies to a percentage of any future fee - having previously worked with Town keeper-coach Malcolm Webster at his first English club Southampton.