TWTD understands that Macedonian defender Nikolce Noveski was the reason chief scout Steve McCall watched the Balkans side take on Poland in a friendly late last month. Noveski, who plays either as a centre-half or left-back, is currently with FSV Mainz 05 in the second division of the Bundesliga.

The 29-year-old is a friend of Velice Sumulikoski, and the Blues have been keeping tabs on the 6ft 3in tall defender in recent months on the recommendation of the midfielder.

Noveski was voted this season's top defender in the second tier of German football by Kicker magazine as his side finished fourth and narrowly missed out on promotion.

Capped 23 times by his country, scoring three goals, Noveski started his career with hometown club FK Pelister Bitola, before moving on to German side Hansa Rostock in 1998. A year later he joined another German side FC Erzgebirge Aue, making the switch to Mainz in 2004.

Noveski's time at Mainz has seen highs and lows with a UEFA Cup run in 2005/06, having qualified through the Fair Play League, followed by relegation in 2006/07 after three years in the German top flight.

The Macedonian has two years left on his contract, but is believed to have a clause in his deal which would allow him to leave should a club make an offer of €1 million (around £800,000). A year ago Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg were linked, while Eintracht Frankfurt have been mentioned in connection with Noveski this summer.

Town are in the market for at least one centre-half during the close season with Leicester's Gareth McAuley and Cardiff's Roger Johnson both the subject of seven-figure bids since Christmas. The Blues are also short of left-backs with David Wright preferring to play on the other flank and Dan Harding transfer-listed.

Elsewhere, SPL giants Rangers are reported to be ready to offer Middlesbrough £3 million for left winger Adam Johnson. Boss Jim Magilton was keen to sign the England U21 international on loan from Boro a year ago, but was outbid by Watford.

The Blues are likely to be on the lookout for a left-sided midfielder again this summer and Johnson may well be on the Town manager's wish list. QPR have also been linked.

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