Town are facing continued competition from weekend opponents Sunderland for the services of Irish U21 international striker Daryl Murphy. Black Cats' boss Mick McCarthy watched Murphy's Waterford United side lose 1-0 against University College Dublin on Friday night.
Murphy had a second trial at Town in March and impressed manager Joe Royle who is very keen to sign the 22-year-old at the end of the season, if funds are available.
Last season's Irish Players' Young Player of the Year was reported to have spent time on trial with the Black Cats shortly before training with the Blues.
Waterford want £100,000 for the ex-Luton trainee, Murphy having signed contract until the end of 2006 in January aimed at securing a fee for his hometown club when he leaves.
Promotion would secure the Blues the cash, while Darren Bent told TWTD in January that it might be time for him to move on should Town remain in the Championship, a move which would certainly bring in the money required to sign the Irishman.