Everton are reportedly keeping an eye on Town youngster Billy Clarke. Lil Fucillo, a scout for the Toffeemen, has apparently watched the young Irishman in both Town's games this week.

The Blues would be highly unlikely to allow the 18-year-old to leave Portman Road having secured the Cork-born frontman on a contract until 2009 over the summer.

Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd was at Portman Road on Tuesday for Town's game with Preston perhaps looking to strengthen his strike force, while the Blues had a representative watching Crewe's game with Blackpool on Saturday.

Town are reported to be facing competition from George Burley and Southampton for the signature of Tommy Miller when he leaves Sunderland. The former Blue is understood to prefer a return to Portman Road with a free transfer likely to be completed in January.

Elsewhere, former Blue Titus Bramble is said to be on his way out of Newcastle United in the January transfer window. The Magpies are apparently willing to allow Bramble to leave for £500,000. The central defender moved to the North-East from Town for £4.5 million in the summer of 2002.

Ex-Town defender Frank Yallop, currently boss of the LA Galaxy, has ruled himself out of the race for the job of coach of the US national side: "There's a list of people who, I guess, always get mentioned and I feel pretty flattered that I get put into that mix.

"It means I'm doing something right in my coaching career, but I'm not looking at doing that at the moment."

"I really enjoy what I'm doing here. I'm looking forward to next season with the Galaxy."

New England Revolution boss and former Liverpool midfielder Steve Nicol says he wants to be considered, although he suspects the new man has already been decided. Should Nicol get the nod, his assistant with the Revs, a certain Paul Mariner, may well follow him.

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