Everton are reported to have made a move to sign Town target Jaden Philogene on a permanent basis.
In July, with Everton also having shown interest, the Blues had agreed a joint-deal with Hull City for the forward and teammate Jacob Greaves with the Philogene side of the proposed move understood to be worth £18 million and the player having agreed personal terms at Portman Road.
However, his former club Aston Villa had 72 hours within which to exercise matching rights as part of the deal they had agreed with the Tigers the previous summer, which they did and Philogene returned to Villa Park for £13 million - the Midlanders also taking advantage of their 30 per cent sell-on - with the forward signing a five-year contract.
However, since then the England U21 international has made only three starts - two in the Premier League - and 11 sub appearances.
Villa are known to be willing to allow Philogene to move out on loan in January but, according to various reports, the Toffeemen have opened talks with Villa regarding a permanent switch for the 22-year-old.
Town are still keen on bringing Philogene to Portman Road and would presumably also be interested in a permanent deal should Villa be willing to sell.
The Blues are in the market for forwards this window with a number nine a priority and perhaps two players for the roles behind on the list.
On Friday, Liverpool rebuffed a £16 million offer for Ben Doak, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, with Crystal Palace also having made a bid. Both clubs are expected to pursue their interest further with the Reds said to want between £25 and £30 million for the 19-year-old.