Bristol City skipper Cole Skuse has agreed to join the Blues on a three-year deal this summer, according to reports in a number of today’s tabloids. The 27-year-old, who is out of contract, has been a rumoured Town close season target for several weeks.

Midfielder Skuse, who has also played in defence, has spent his entire career with his hometown club, having made his debut in the 2004/05 season.

The Robins' Player of the Year in 2009/10, he has made a total of 245 starts and 62 sub appearances, scoring nine goals.

Speaking earlier this week, Bristol City boss Sean O’Driscoll admitted that his relegated club would struggle to hold on to their captain: "He's available on a free transfer. I'd love him to stay, but that decision may have already been made. He's a good lad and we've sat down and chatted about things."

Elsewhere, Mick McCarthy is said to be interested in bringing Wolves striker Kevin Doyle to Portman Road.

Republic of Ireland international Doyle, 29, has another year left on his contract at Molineux but seems likely to move on now that the Midlanders' relegation to League One has been confirmed.

McCarthy signed the former Cork City man from Reading when manager at Wolves for a reported £6.5 million in the summer of 2009. Since then he has scored 30 goals in 131 starts and 17 sub appearances.

The Blues boss is a fan of Doyle but earlier this week played down suggestions that he'd return to his old club for summer signings, although McCarthy would be keen to sign loanee Richard Stearman on a permanent basis if a deal can be done.

"They’ve got good players but that doesn’t mean to say I’m going to go tripping back there to sign them," he said.

"And who’s to know what they’re going to cost and what wages they’re on anyway. I’m not thinking that’s my fishing ground at all, not whatsoever.”

Stearman, meanwhile, has tweeted his goodbyes to all at Portman Road: "Would just like to thank everyone connected with ITFC, loved every minute of my time there, which was made so easy by everyone connected with the club.

"So glad we succeeded in our goal of staying up, massive achievement from where started. Thanks again for your support, enjoy your summer."

Photo: Action Images

RYITFC added 16:06 - May 6 Can't get excited about either of these two. Skuse has been at the heart of a team who have finished bottom and we already have at least 3 strikers better than Doyle.
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LankHenners added 17:19 - May 6 Most of you have overlooked the words "claims", "according", and "tabloids". I will not believe anything until I see his picture in the EADT and on TWTD with a full report explaining his transfer to us.
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iTFC4LiFE99 added 18:12 - May 6 Would rather Ebanks Blake than Doyle! Skuse seems a very solid holding player allowing ham to have a more advanced role possibly
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h32 added 18:32 - May 6 ...... leave it to MM / TC - they know what they're doing. As we all should be reasonably confident of by now !!
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neillrumsey added 19:26 - May 6 It is clear that N'Daw in out the door and therefore Skuse would fulfil that role. I think we need to wait until the ink is dry before everybody gets too exited shouting their prefered options.
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Steelmonkey added 21:46 - May 6 There seems to be more negative comments than positive ones on the Brizzle forum site for Skuse. Whether this is sour grapes at being relegated and them looking for a scape goat to blame... But, how many of us were glad to see the back of Leadboots, many comments similar to those posted on here. I think he has just been named as the fans player of the season at Middlesborough. So if we have signed him I trust MM judgement. Really can not see him coming here in a midfielder's role more likely RB, as Stearman has now gone back, Wolves were rumoured to want 1.8 million when he arrived for a permanent move. Don't think ME will be throwing us too much cash to buy new players this season, dwinderling crowds and 70 million in debt. If recent history proves correct, this is not how MM does deals in the transfer market.

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statto added 10:33 - May 9 I think MM has done plenty to earn our good will. Trust his judgement in signing Ben Affleck.
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