Town's moves to sign striker David Nugent and left-back Ben Thatcher may not yet be dead, according to reports this morning. Earlier in the week Nugent appeared to have turned down the chance of a move to the Blues, while Thatcher joined West Ham on trial.

According to various national newspaper stories, Town are closing in on a £5.5 million move for the one-time England striker, a deal almost certain to be a fee of around £3.5 million-£4 million up front plus top-ups based on appearances and promotion.

Town confirmed their interest in Nugent last week and boss Jim Magilton said yesterday that the move is still ongoing: "David Nugent is someone who relishes playing at Portman Road and it'd be nice to see him in a blue shirt.

"Until that happens he's just one player we've asked about. If it did happen, it'd be great, if not, we move on to another."

Nugent is reportedly now resigned to leaving Pompey and is believed to be more accepting of a move into the Championship and the personal terms on offer at Portman Road. However, it is likely that Premier League sides will be interested with Hull City previously linked and Everton rumoured to be another possible destination.

Magilton is also said be continuing his pursuit of Ben Thatcher, although so far the two parties have been unable to agree personal terms. Thatcher has been on trial with West Ham this week and other reports claim the ex-Charlton, Tottenham and Manchester City man will be offered a deal by the Hammers.

If that's the case, the Blues will have to look elsewhere for a new left-back with Sheffield United pair Chris Armstrong and Derek Geary both linked this week.

Honduran international Emilio Izaguirre won't be the Blues' new left-sided defender after learning that he won't be offered a deal yesterday. The 22-year-old failed to impress in a behind-closed-doors 0-0 draw with Fulham on Thursday.

Also in the side facing the Cottagers were Curtis Haynes-Brown, who has been on trial from Ipswich Wanderers for the past couple of weeks, and Jamie Clapham, who is training with the Blues while he looks for another club, having been released by Leicester.

Elsewhere, in Italy reports continue to link the Blues with Chievo's Albanian international frontman Erjon Bogdani.

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