Town are not commenting on reports that central defender Alex Bruce is set to reject the offer of a new two-year deal. The club is determined not to be drawn on any transfer issue during the January transfer window.

Bruce, whose current contract is up at the end of the season, is understood to be ready to snub the new terms with an unnamed Championship club and Leeds United believed to be leading the chase for his signature.

A club spokesman says the Blues will be keeping quiet on transfer window gossip: "We have a month of speculation ahead and we will not be drawn into commenting on reports in the media on players.

"In the last two days there have eight players linked with us. We will make a comment when the time is right, and when there is something our fans will be the first to know.”

Meanwhile, Town will learn their FA Cup fourth round opponents tonight when Southend take on Chelsea in a third round replay at Roots Hall (ITV1 8pm). The Blues face the winners away from home on Saturday, 24th January.

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