Town boss Jim Magilton was in Scotland yesterday to watch Polish keeper Grzegorz Szamotulski in action for Dundee United against Hearts. The 31-year-old, out of contract at the end of January, is receiving a lot of interest having impressed since joining the Terrors in the summer.

Szamotulski began his career as a youngster with local side Lechia Gdańsk, before joining Hutnik Warszawa and then Polonia Warszawa. In 1995 he moved on to Legia Warsaw, where he spent five years prior to a switch to Greek side PAOK.

The 6ft 2in tall keeper returned to Poland to play with Śląsk Wrocław a year later, quickly moving on to Amica Wronki, where he spent two seasons.

A three-season spell in Austria with Admira Wacker and Sturm Graz followed, before he signed a six-month deal with Dundee United in the summer, adding an extra month to that contract at the end of December, but making it clear to the SPL side that he will not sign longer term deal.

Szamotulski, nicknamed the Mad Monk by Dundee United fans, had a quiet game yesterday with his side winning 4-1 and Hearts having three players sent off. The Edinburgh club are also amongst those interested in the Gdańsk-born glovesman, along Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City.

Town boss Jim Magilton is known to be in the hunt for a new goalkeeper having taken a number of stoppers on trial in recent months, most recently US-born German Kenneth Kronholm.

It is likely that the Blues boss is seeking cover for Neil Alexander so Shane Supple can go out on loan during the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, the Blues have again been linked with a loan move for Newcastle striker Andy Carroll. Boss Jim Magilton admitted his interest in the 18-year-old in the summer, but Carroll eventually joined Preston for a short-term spell. However, the England U19 international, who is now back at Newcastle, failed to impress at Deepdale and a Town move would be a surprise.

Another player we understand the Blues have been keeping a watchful eye on during the first half of the season is Burnley frontman Andy Gray. The 30-year-old has netted 13 goals in the Championship this season and has been a regular scorer at this level for a number of years.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth's African Nations Cup-bound stars will be available for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Portman Road. John Utaka, Sulley Muntari, Papa Bouba Diop and Kanu will not join their national sides until Sunday.

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