Boss Jim Magilton has dismissed Cardiff City claims that the Blues made a £1 million bid for central defender Roger Johnson as "speculation”. Reports in Wales over the weekend said Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale had confirmed the offer, which they said was rebuffed.

Town are believed to have made an enquiry regarding Johnson but that appears to be as far as things have gone with Magilton playing down the bid claims: "It's speculation and nothing more than that at the moment.”

However, the Town boss has confirmed his continued pursuit of Leicester's Gareth McAuley: "We made a substantial bid a few weeks ago for Gareth and it was rejected.

"When we did it, we wanted to get the job done quickly, but Leicester have lost their manager and are taking stock, which you can understand. It's still early days though. It's an ongoing situation.”

Reports of a £1 million summer Town bid for McAuley, in addition to the three in January, were previously dismissed by Leicester chief executive Paul Aldridge. The report claimed the Foxes turned the offer down as they wanted £1.75 million for the Northern Irishman.

Little new on the Shola Ameobi front in this morning's papers, aside from reports in Norfolk claiming that Norwich could be back in the hunt for the striker if the initial fee is as low as the £2 million reported in Newcastle yesterday.

Town continue to be coy on the issue, although the recent ‘no comment' statement suggests that there is something to the reports even if a bid has not been accepted as was reported earlier in the week.

Jim Magilton has spoken further about new Dutch defender Pim Balkestein, who is expected to sign on the dotted line this week. The 21-year-old, who leaves Heerenveen after his contract came to an end, the Blues paying compensation of somewhere around the £100,000, made his mark in a trial in late April and early May.

Magilton liked what he saw: "He's a confident lad. He was aggressive in his play and has a cultured left foot.

"He's 6ft 3in, is an organiser, he can pass a ball and is someone who is desperate for an opportunity. He paid his own flight to come over and play for us in a friendly at Tottenham.

"He showed a determination to play and his all round attitude and ability impressed me. We are close to agreeing personal terms and then when that is completed, he will have a medical.”

Another possible summer Town target David Healy, a player Magilton wanted to sign on loan back in March, is being linked with a return to former club Leeds United from Fulham. The Northern Irish striker is likely to be on Magilton's short-list as he looks to add two frontmen to his ranks during the close season.

Meanwhile, the multi-ball system will again be in operation next season after Football League clubs voted overwhelmingly in keeping it. Town boss Jim Magilton was unhappy at the way the system, banned in the Premier League, was abused by clubs such as Stoke City last season.

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