Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp says he is keen to take Town striker Marcus Bent to Fratton Park but is not prepared to pay a fee for the 26-year-old. The Blues are keen to rid themselves of Bent and his £17,000-a-week wage but are looking to get some cash for their £3 million November 2001 signing.
Redknapp says he rates Bent highly: "Marcus is a player with bags and bags of ability. He has strength, pace and is good in the air.
"But the question mark over him is why he has been to so many clubs. That's the gamble.
"It's about him putting it all together on a regular basis. But I wouldn't pay a fee for him - not a penny."
The Blues are hopeful of getting a small fee - probably around £100,000 or £200,000 - for the much-travelled front man.
Bent spent last season on loan at Leicester City and the Foxes also want to make him a permanent signing. But like Portsmouth they are not prepared to pay a fee.
Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers both watched Bent in action for Leicester towards the end of last season and might well be able to stump up the cash which Town want for the ex-Blackburn, Port Vale, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United man.
Yesterday, newly-promoted West Brom were reported to be in talks with Bent's agents.