Town boss Jim Magilton says he could make another addition to his squad later this week, having already signed defenders Pim Balkestein and Gareth McAuley. The Blues manager has also outlined the areas of the squad he sees as still need to be strengthened.

Magilton said: "There could be another signing this week. Alex Bruce has stepped up to the plate since his arrival and we have other central defenders Richard Naylor and Tommy Smith.

"But I am still looking to bring in back four players, look at strengthening the midfield and sign a striker.”

Town also need a goalkeeper, while the Blues are interviewing candidates for the vacant job of goalkeeper-coach.

One player who won't be joining the Blues is Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty, chief executive Derek Bowden having confirmed that Town made a bid to TWTD yesterday.

The Blues offered a cash-plus-player deal, but Magilton says Lafferty was already set on joining Rangers: "I have seen him progress from a boy to a man. And he has done well at international level, which shows he could do it at Premier League level as well.

"But he has nailed his colours to the Rangers mast and he now sees himself as a Rangers player.”

That might not necessarily be the case with reports this morning claiming his move to the SPL could be hijacked by Fulham.

Town are yet to receive any serious enquiries regarding the five transfer-listed players – Gavin Williams, Gary Roberts, Billy Clarke, Matt Richards and Dan Harding – but Magilton expects there to be more interest in the next few weeks as clubs return for pre-season training.

Meanwhile, Norwich are reported to be on the verge of signing Town target Shola Ameobi from Newcastle, although the former England U21 is understood to still be away on his honeymoon.

The Canaries are long-time admirers of the 26-year-old, but don't appear to have the necessary cash to sign the striker. Town are believed to have offered an initial £2 million plus another £1 million on appearances and £500,000 on promotion.

Recent reports in Newcastle claimed Ameobi was holding out for Premier League interest with Hull City and West Brom both reportedly keen on his signature.

Elsewhere, former Town striker Mich D'Avray is close to being named head coach of Bloemfontein Celtic back in his native South Africa.

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