Three Town representatives watched transfer target Stephen Ward in action for Bohemians in an FAI Cup tie with Shamrock Rovers on Friday, according to reports in Ireland. Last week, Jim Magilton confirmed the Blues' interest in the Irish U21 international, as first reported by TWTD.

Ward, who plays on the left of midfield for Bohemians, set up his side's goal in a 1-1 draw, but wasn't at his best.

The Town men watching the 21-year-old, used as a striker for Ireland's U21s, are likely to have been chief scout Steve McCall, Charlie Woods and one of the club's Irish-based scouts. Former coach Woods is currently working with the Blues helping McCall with scouting and is also part of the Republic of Ireland management team along with Sir Bobby Robson.

TWTD understands that Town are close to making another permanent signing, although the new addition may be the central defender the Blues were chasing late last week rather than Ward, who is likely to cost around the £170,000 mark. Bohemians previously agreed that figure with Norwegian club Fredrikstad before Ward decided against a move to Scandinavia.

According to our sources in Ireland, Ward turned his back on the switch to Norway after learning of Town's interest in bringing him to the Championship, where his chances of further international involvement would be greatly enhanced. We understand that talks had already taken place between the two clubs prior to Friday's game.

Cardiff also watched the Dubliner in the Shamrock Rovers match, as well as his Bohemians team-mate John Paul Kelly, who coincidentally was on trial with Town in 2004.

Ward, widely tipped to emulate Reading's Kevin Doyle should he move to England, was previously on trial at Sunderland during Mick McCarthy's time as manager at the Stadium of Light.

Elsewhere, this weekend's tabloids link the Blues with Coventry City's 31-year-old striker Dele Adebola and with a contract offer to Fulham midfielder Sylvain Legwinski.

The 33-year-old Frenchman is currently on trial at Portman Road and played 45 minutes of Wednesday's behind-closed-doors game with Spurs before limping off with an injury.

Also involved in that match, which the Blues lost 3-1, were several more trialists, including Bury Town's Ian Miller and former Espanyol man Toni Soldevilla, both centre-halves. TWTD understands that the Spaniard has failed to impress during his trial.

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