Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu is close to completing a move to the Blues, according to a report in Scotland this morning. News of Town’s interest in the 26-year-old US international broke yesterday with manager Paul Jewell refusing to comment one way or the other when questioned regarding the Californian.

This morning’s story claims the Blues will pay Rangers £300,000 for Edu, although previous reports have indicated that as the former Toronto FC man has not transferred his contract to the Glasgow club’s newco, he would be available on a free transfer. His contract with the old Rangers was believed to include a clause which meant he could leave if the Ibrox club received an offer of £300,000, which may be where that figure comes from.

More locally, sources are suggesting the proposed deal hasn’t gone as far as this morning’s report claims, although Town have made an approach for Edu, who has been with Rangers for four years.

Jewell has confirmed that he’s looking for another central midfielder ahead of the start of the season, with the confirmation of the settlement of Jimmy Bullard’s contract expected to come early next week. The Blues are almost certain to face competition for Edu, who is reported to be on wages of £12,500 a week at Rangers, with La Liga side Valencia linked last month.

Meanwhile, Derby boss Nigel Clough admits it’s been difficult to decide whether to play Blues target Steve Davies during pre-season games. The 24-year-old has been left out up to now but is expected to be involved against Chesterfield today.

Clough said: "It has been a difficult dilemma, because we don't want him to get injured, which would ruin any chance of a move.

"But now we are getting to the point where there are three weeks left of the transfer window and there is a chance he will be staying with us, so we have to start getting him match fit.

"He will be a little bit behind but not too much because he has done all the leg work. He has been training, he is just not match sharp but he can get that in a few weeks.

"We've got today's game, the cup tie against Scunthorpe and a game at Matlock on Wednesday. So we have games coming up where he can feature.

"There is still interest in him but no club has come close enough to offering what we are looking for. If we do not get what we are looking for, he stays.”

Town have been chasing Davies since the end of last season but the clubs have been unable to agree a fee with the Rams believed to want £1 million for the man Blues boss Jewell signed during his spell as manager at Pride Park.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

Lennyboy added 12:53 - Aug 11 I could'nt believe it, went on my favourite site (TWTD) this morning, then tried a bit later to find the site was close. Shock Horror, what would I do without my intake of ITFC news and gossip. Tried much later only to find it's back but with a much better look. With regards to EDU...yes please.
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Dissboyitfc added 13:13 - Aug 11 Love the new look site phil and gav . there is one big signing to come , is this it? coyb
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DutchTractorboy added 13:24 - Aug 11 If and I say IF this goes through, I'll be suprised. Especially if there's any truth in Valencia also being interested. With Edu and perhaps Davies, I dare say that we are stronger than last year. More options for PJ, more balanced squad. So hope, hope, hope... Maybe we could use a bit more competition at left and right back, but it looks quite alright at the moment.

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TractorBeezer added 13:42 - Aug 11 I think that Edu would fit the bill nicely. Toronto FC were sorry to lose him.
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azza01 added 13:49 - Aug 11 Love the new wallpAper Phil n gav kp up gud work
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Ipswich24 added 14:27 - Aug 11 Would be fantastic for our club and a big statement of intent come on Evans pull this one out of the bag.
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yun added 14:45 - Aug 11 I'm waiting for completion before getting excited about this one. Definite improvement with the re-design. Looks better, loads faster. Decent job!
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TractorBoy666 added 14:55 - Aug 11 Wow, just firstly this new layout is amazing! At least we can now vote down some idiotic comments. But for the news story, i would be amazed if we got Edu and if we were, then this would be the best signing we've done in years!
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azza01 added 15:23 - Aug 11 Phil av u hear anymr bout the Blake link it kps poppn up on twitter??
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PremierBlue added 15:47 - Aug 11 Maybe Edu's teammate Alejandro Bedoya signing for my home team HIF (Helsingborgs IF) is a good sign and omen for an Edu deal. With some more touch of class and depth in the team, the Blues may become serious contenders this season. Blue skies!
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runningout added 16:04 - Aug 11 please, no over the top wowing thanks...
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TimmyH added 16:14 - Aug 11 Looked at the latest betting from William Hill for the Championship and we're not even in the top 12, if and it's a big if we do get Edu, I reckon we could have quite a potent midfield. We could spring a surprise with the bookmakers, I'd certainly expect better than mid-table.
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Jackie added 17:02 - Aug 11 hey twtd, what about a "block"? i find myself drawn to reading negative score comments.
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Jackie added 17:05 - Aug 11 and why cant i vote for myself? not very democratic.
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manualthetisfanclub added 17:09 - Aug 11 Seeing is believing I'm afraid,ain't gonna happen!!!
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linesyrules added 17:44 - Aug 11 We need this player, town are 3-4 players short of a squad and at best a mid-table team.
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HKBlue added 17:49 - Aug 11 Great improvement to the site Phil looks great. As much as I would want this to happen I'm still keeping the cork in the champagne for now. Valencia being a confirmed link, theoretically they would be the stronger choice however remember footballers are still humans and many things come into the equation i.e living, language, family etc. IF we do somehow get Edu to sign for us I honestly believe for once we'd be a strong contender for promotion with a squad who's proven they have the quality to do so, and not just hoping we'll be a promotion contender. With Davies it's hard to comment as I have not heard or seen him play much but if the PJ rates him and Clough rates him to be 1mil, I can only assume he'll be a positive asset to go alongside Chops! Looking forward to this season - COYB

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