Former Reading striker Nicky Forster looks increasingly likely to become Town's first summer signing. The 31-year-old frontman has turned down a one-year deal with the Royals and has reportedly already been in talks with the Blues.
Boss Joe Royle said last month that he had a free transfer target in mind as a replacement for Darren Bent with the player aware of his interest.
According to reports, the former England U21 international will continue talks when Royle returns from his holiday next week with the move expected to go through soon after.
Forster, a popular figure during his six years at the Madejski Stadium, told Reading he would not sign his new contract earlier in the week. The former Hythe, Gillingham, Brentford and Birmingham frontman is keen to sign a longer deal at this stage of his career.
Sheffield United, Millwall, Burnley, QPR and Stoke City have also been linked with the 5ft 9in Caterham-born striker.
During his time at Reading, having signed for £650,000 from Birmingham in June 1999, Forster made 179 starts (plus 34 appearances as a sub), and scored 67 goals.