Chief executive Derek Bowden has confirmed that Town have spoken to Nuremberg regarding Greek striker Angelos Charisteas. Contrary to reports earlier in the week, no fee has been agreed but the relegated German side have given the Blues the OK to talk to the 28-year-old.

Bowden said: "Yes, we have spoken to Nuremberg about Angelos Charisteas. We have not agreed a fee, but we are close enough for the club to give us permission to speak to the player.

"We are in discussions with his representatives and I am sure there will some more dialogue over the next few days.”

Reports in Germany and Greece over the weekend claimed that Nuremberg had turned down Town's bid of €3.5 million (£2.7 million) and that the player wasn't interested in joining the Blues. However, yesterday his agent Paul Koutsoliakos revealed that he hadn't spoken to Charisteas about the possibility of joining Town and that his player may be interested in a move to England.

Charisteas is due back with Nuremberg early next week and is expected to go on a training camp to Austria, although the German side expect him to leave over the summer. A move to another German club is believed to be the Greek international's favoured option with a number of sides throughout Europe believed to be interested.

Greek reports at the weekend claimed Town are offering Charisteas a three-year deal worth €1.6 million, around £20,000 or €30,000-a-week.

Bowden has also confirmed that the Blues made an enquiry regarding Preston keeper Andrew Lonergan, but that there was no bid: "We made an initial enquiry but it went no further than that."

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