Town are reported to be among a number of clubs eyeing Bolton Wanderers defender Harry Brockbank.
According to The Sun, Sunderland are keen on the 20-year-old, who can play at right-back, central defender or in central midfield, but Championship Brentford, who have previously been linked, and Town are said to head the chase.
Bolton-born Brockbank came through the youth system at his hometown club before spending time on loan with Salford City earlier this year during which time he made one Vanarama National League appearance as a sub.
Following his return to Wanderers he was given three starts in the final weeks of the season as Bolton dropped into League One along with the Blues.
Brockbank is available on a free transfer due to in-administration Bolton’s ongoing financial problems.
His three first-team games are understood to have triggered an extension to his previous contract but Wanderers were unable to offer new terms before a set deadline, meaning he can now move on for free.
Meanwhile, Blues striker Aaron Drinan, who is currently on loan back with his old club Waterford, could win his fourth Irish U21s cap this afternoon when his side face Bahrain in their final group game aiming for a place in the semi-finals at the Maurice Revello Toulon Tournament.
Drinan, 20, has come on as a late sub in both the 4-1 victory over China and the 0-0 draw with Mexico.