Burnley central defender Dara O’Shea is reported to have turned down the chance to join the Blues, preferring a move to Brentford.
According to Football Insider, Town and the Bees have both targeted the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international with the Dubliner said to have rejected the interest from the Blues, while talks with the West Londoners are ongoing.
O’Shea started his English career with West Brom having signed from schoolboy club St Kevin’s. While with the Baggies, the 6ft 1in in tall defender spent time on loan at Hereford an Exeter.
The 26-times-capped Irish international moved to Turf Moor for £7 million last summer and was a regular for the Clarets as they were relegated from the Premier League during 2023/24.
Town have signed one centre-half this summer, Jacob Greaves from Hull City, but it would be little surprise if they looked at adding another before the window closes at the end of the month.
The Blues and Brentford have also both been linked with Napoli’s Swedish international midfielder Jens Cajuste.
The Bees are reported to be close to signing the 24-year-old, while Town sources have played down Italian claims of an offer of a loan with an option to buy.