Reports in Lancashire claim the Blues now face a three-way fight for Franny Jeffers's signature. Blackburn have turned down two bids from Town for the 26-year-old former loanee, with a third expected now that the Blues are due to receive £2.58 million of the Darren Bent fee.

The identity of the other two clubs is so far a mystery, although Coventry City were reported to have had a bid turned down last weekend.

Norwich were also linked, but their signing of Jamie Cureton from Colchester would appear to suggest the Canaries are out of the race for Jeffers. Both interested parties are reported to be Championship sides.

Rovers, who have valued Jeffers at £1 million, are claimed to want to get the ex-Everton, Arsenal and Charlton man's future sorted within the next week.

Town boss Jim Magilton has already revealed that Malcolm Christie could come into his plans if a deal cannot be worked out with Blackburn for the one-time England frontman, while Spanish sources have strongly linked Pablo Couñago with a return to Portman Road.

Both Christie and Couñago are available on free transfers having been released by Middlesbrough and Málaga respectively.

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