Town chief executive Derek Bowden says the Blues have now ruled out signing released Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza, but West Brom frontman Kevin Phillips is again tipped to be amongst Jim Magilton's summer targets.

Last week Mpenza's agent Rachid Tajmout confirmed that talks had taken place between the two parties, but Bowden says that is as far as the Blues' interest has gone: "As you would expect we had a long list of players for various positions we know we need to strengthen. That has now been whittled down to a relatively short list and Mpenza is not on it.

"The list will be added to again over the next few weeks as opportunities arise.”

Belgian international Mpenza has also been linked with Bolton, Reading, Stoke and Leicester City.

TWTD was first to report Town's potential interest in former England striker Kevin Phillips earlier in the week. The frontman's current Albion deal has come to an end and the 34-year-old is stalling on signing a new contract.

Town and other Championship sides are standing by to see whether the Baggies' 24-goal top scorer becomes available. Phillips was close to signing for the Blues back in the summer of 1997.

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