Stockport County have admitted that they will be forced to accept reasonable offers for their promising young players. Yesterday, a national newspaper linked the Blues with goalkeeper Owain Fôn Williams and left-back Jim McNulty.

Town were reported to have watched the pair on a number of occasions this season with a goalkeeper and a left-back both potentially amongst Jim Magilton's January targets.

Keeper Shane Supple is keen on a loan move for the second half of the season, while the Blues are short on left-sided cover for Ben Thatcher. McNulty also plays at centre-half, another area where Town are likely to be looking for additions during the transfer window.

Brighton are also reported to be interested in McNulty, presumably to replace former loanee Matt Richards if no deal can be agreed to make the former England U21 international's move to the Withdean Stadium a permanent one. Perhaps notably, Stockport have already signed another left-back Robbie Threlfall on loan from Liverpool.

A Stockport spokesman admitted the cash-strapped League One side will listen to offers: "Our recent success [the Hatters are seventh in League One having been promoted last season] has been built upon the development of young players who will, inevitably, attract interest from clubs at a higher level.

"And, if serious offers are made, which are in the best interests of the player and the club, then these offers will be accepted. Like any other club, we have to balance our ambition with the financial reality of our existence."

Meanwhile, Chelsea have confirmed that Town's fourth round FA Cup tie will be at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 24th January with a 3pm kick-off if the Premier League side defeat Southend in their third round replay next Wednesday.

Elsewhere, former Town target Shola Ameobi has signed a three-year contract extension with Newcastle. The former England U21 international almost joined the Blues last summer but failed a medical due to an ongoing hamstring problem.

Another player the Blues were close to signing in the close season, Southampton's Rudi Skácel, has said he hopes to leave the Saints either during January or in the summer.

However, Town renewing their interest seems unlikely with chief executive Derek Bowden telling TWTD in October: "Talks with Rudi and the agent had progressed a long way but broke down at the eleventh hour. I don't think there's a chance of it being revived.”

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