This morning's tabloids are once again linking Derby County with a move for Town target Franny Jeffers. The Championship play-off final winners are reported to be ready to pay £1.5 million for the Blackburn Rovers striker.

Derby were understood to be the Blues' main opposition for Jeffers's signature until Billy Davies was quoted as saying that there was nothing in his claimed interest in the former England man. Now the Rams are said to be after Jeffers having given up on trying to sign Leeds striker David Healy, who is reportedly destined to sign for Fulham.

Earlier this week, Town's second bid for Jeffers — believed to be £500,000 plus top-ups — was turned down by Rovers, who were previously claimed to want £1 million for the ex-Everton, Arsenal and Charlton frontman.

That figure appears very high for a player with only a year left on his contract who has played so little football in recent seasons, and the higher price quoted today looks to be well beyond what any club would pay for the 26-year-old.

Another tabloid links the Rams with a £5 million bid for Norwich City striker Robert Earnshaw, who looks destined to leave Carrow Road over the summer

Colchester's Jamie Cureton, who Jim Magilton says he could be interested in if he fails to land Jeffers, is reported to be a potential replacement for Earnshaw at the club where he started career. Cureton, 31, has had a transfer request turned down by Colchester but looks likely to move on during the close season. Leicester and Plymouth are also linked.

Meanwhile, former Blue Sergei Baltacha has turned down the chance to manage SPL side Hearts after talks with owner Vladimir Romanov. Former Soviet Union international Baltacha is currently an academy coach at Charlton and also teaches PE at a London school.

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