This morning's tabloids are once again linking Town with a move for Birmingham City midfielder Neil Kilkenny. The Australian international was previously mentioned in connection with the Blues in January, when boss Jim Magilton denied making a loan bid, and again in April.

Kilkenny was rarely involved in Steve Bruce's side's push for promotion and made his last league appearance of the season in January.

The 21-year-old, who was with Arsenal's academy before moving on to St Andrew's in 2004, has made 10 senior starts and 29 sub appearances for the Midlands club but is yet to score a goal.

A loan spell with Oldham in 2004/05 — alongside his former Birmingham team-mate Alex Bruce - saw the midfielder make 34 appearances and net five times.

Contracted to Birmingham until 2009, the 5ft 8in tall player's Premier League debut at home to Liverpool was notable for an 83rd minute red card after he handled the ball on the goal-line.

Born in Enfield, Kilkenny moved to Brisbane as a child and made his international debut for Australia last June, coming on as a sub in a 3-1 win against Liechtenstein in Germany. Kilkenny chose to represent the Socceroos despite previously winning England U20 caps and also qualifying for the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile, interest from Liverpool is reported to be the main reason behind Darren Bent deciding against a move to West Ham earlier in the week. Tottenham are also reported to still be in the hunt for the ex-Town striker.

Elsewhere, former Blues loanee Danny Karbassiyoon has been appointed Arsenal's chief scout for North America. The left-back, who spent time with the Blues during 2004/05, was forced into retirement due to a knee injury in February.

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