Town are battling Norwich City for the signature of former Canary loanee Martin Taylor, according to one of this morning's tabloids. Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is keen to offload the central defender for £1 million during the January transfer window.

Taylor, 28, is unwanted at St Andrew's and was sent out on loan to Norwich in November, scoring on his debut, coincidentally against Town.

The Ashington-born defender started his career with Blackburn, going on loan to Darlington and Scunthorpe while a Rovers player. In February 2004 the 6ft 4in defender joined Birmingham for £1.25 million.

It would be no surprise if the Blues did make a move for Taylor with a central defender almost certainly amongst Jim Magilton's January targets. Previously, Rob Jones of Hibs and Graham Gartland of Eircom League side Drogheda have been linked.

Meanwhile, former Town boss George Burley is again being linked with the Scotland manager's job.

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