Former Blues midfielder Flynn Downes is understood to be on Town’s list of potential recruits this summer.
Downes, 25, spent last season on loan at Southampton from West Ham and the Saints are keen to take him back to St Mary’s on a permanent basis.
According to The Sun, the two clubs are yet to come to an agreement regarding a fee with the Hammers wanting £15 million before add-ons. Kyle Walker-Peters could move the other way.
However, Town are also keen on a reunion with Downes, who is contracted to West Ham until the summer of 2027.
Academy product Downes left the Blues for Swansea in Paul Cook’s famous ‘demolition man’ summer in 2021 having been among the players made to train with the U23s during that pre-season.
However, despite the way his time at Portman Road ended - and having been booed by fans on his first competitive return with the Saints last season - we understand Downes harbours no bitterness towards the club should there be the chance of a Portman Road comeback.
Downes was under briefly consideration for a return to Town last summer but with the financial side of a loan move believed to have been beyond the Blues at that stage.
The Brentwood-born schemer made 75 starts and 25 sub appearances for the Blues, scoring three goals.