Town are reported to be one of a number of English clubs showing interest in Newry City central midfielder Richard Clarke. The 21-year-old is set to spend time on trial at Bury, with Gillingham also understood to be keeping an eye.

Northern Ireland U21 international Clarke is one of the biggest talents currently playing in his home country and a move to England is only a matter of time. Newry recently turned down a bid from fellow Irish League side Glentoran.

Last Saturday, Clarke was one of seven Irish League players included in a Northern Ireland Select squad which played Everton in a friendly to mark the 25th anniversary of the Milk Cup tournament, a youth football competition in which Town have previously taken part. Blues defender Chris Casement will be involved this year with Northern Ireland's U19s.

Clarke is due to spend the week with Bury and could subsequently join the Blues for a trial spell.

Meanwhile, TWTD understands that Scottish Second Division side Ross County have enquired about taking Town striker Jordan Rhodes on loan. Boss Jim Magilton is known to want to send some of his younger players out for short-term spells this season, but may prefer to see them playing at a higher level than the third tier in Scotland.

Elsewhere, former Town loanee Franny Jeffers is set to sign for Cardiff City, according to reports in Wales. The Bluebirds, who are also expected to land Robbie Fowler, are understood to have agreed a fee with Blackburn Rovers.

Jeffers's permanent move to the Blues broke down earlier in the month due to the former England man's £10,000-a-week wage demands.

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