Former West Brom centre-half Jonas Olsson is claimed to be the reason for manager Mick McCarthy’s trip to watch Djurgåden beat Halmstad 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

According to Swedish website FotbollDirekt, McCarthy was there to run the rule over former West Brom man Olsson, 34, who joined Djurgåden having been released by the Baggies in March.

Olsson, who was also recently linked with Swiss side Lugano, says he knows McCarthy from his time at the Hawthorns and the Blues’ boss’s spell in charge at Wolves.

However, quizzed on Town’s apparent interest, he responded: "Those are your words. I know him a bit since he was at Wolverhampton and I was at West Bromwich, but I don't want to comment.”

He added: “There are managers and scouts at every game but, of course, there is going to be more fuss when such a big name as Mick shows up.”

The 6ft 5in tall centre-half started his career with his hometown club Landskrona BoIS, who Town played in the UEFA Cup back in 1977/78, before moving on to NEC in Holland in 2005 and then West Brom three years later. He has won 25 full Sweden caps, scoring one international goal.

Town are looking to add another central defender to their squad before the transfer window closes on Thursday with skipper Luke Chambers (ankle), Tommy Smith (hamstring) and Adam Webster (ankle) all currently sidelined.

Olsson was one of a number of potential targets who McCarthy could have been eyeing at last week’s game.

Questioned on the the reason for his Swedish trip at Monday's press conference, the Blues manager kept his cards typically close to his chest and gave nothing away.

Asked yesterday whether he as any closer to making an addition, he said: “We’re progressing, we’re doing all right.”

. @Official_ITFC also wanted Graham but @Wolves don't want any more joining a club seen as potential rivals. @SunderlandAFC also interested.– Tim Nash (@TimNash_1) August 25, 2017

Meanwhile, Town are reported to have shown interest in re-signing former loanee Jordan Graham from Wolves.

The 22-year-old winger is now being linked with a move to tomorrow’s opponents Fulham with Wolves said not to be keen to want to loan another player to the Blues.

Graham made two sub appearances for Town when on loan from Aston Villa in December 2013.

If the Blues were interested it was almost certainly prior to the signing of Martyn Waghorn with McCarthy subsequently stating that he wasn't looking to add another wideman to his squad.

Photo: TWTD

12th_Man added 18:37 - Aug 25 No thanks was decent about 5/7 years ago
1

StuartBrett8 added 18:37 - Aug 25 Not bad cover and would do a job if required, pretty versatile can play 'left back' 'right back' and centre back :)
3

Fat_Boy_Tim added 18:41 - Aug 25 Would be great cover. We need experience in the field.
2

casanovacrow added 18:45 - Aug 25 Thinking out loud. Was it him who got sent off at Portman road for bear hugging strikers every time we had a corner?
4

football89 added 18:46 - Aug 25 Need an old head at the back for now and has experience of the English game. 1 year deal would be ideal.
4

MickMillsTash added 18:48 - Aug 25 Cover ? I am pretty sure he can handle himself very well at this level and improve the team If legs haven't gone and he still wants it, get him in. Good for 5 goals a season from Corners
5

bluearmy78 added 19:06 - Aug 25 This for me would be a no brainer! He's got the experience if called upon & would bring on Webster's game & the other youngsters. If possible get it done, he wouldn't cost that much either. COYB
6

dirtydingusmagee added 19:15 - Aug 25 so itS ''Olsie '' then .
4

muccletonjoe added 19:20 - Aug 25 Excellent signing if true. The experience he would bring would be just what we need atm. A one year deal just the job.
6

howdonblue added 19:34 - Aug 25 Would be a great signing for two seasons 1. Vastly experienced in premier league 2. 34 only 2 years max
4

iaintaylorx added 19:48 - Aug 25 Pleaseeee no!!! Way too slow for this level. Yes, he is experienced, but we can do better! A permanent, young signing would give everyone a much bigger boost!
1

Bluetone added 19:55 - Aug 25 So why not give Titus a try he's local and he knows our club and is involved with our club
1

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 19:59 - Aug 25 Definitely take him as a short term option. Real leader and a tough character. Might get sent off once or twice, though.
6

tractorboybig added 20:12 - Aug 25 He played for wba. so all the morons think him great!
-8

Edmundo added 20:29 - Aug 25 Don't know enough about him to comment specifically but we really need an experienced leader in defence to keep this great start going. The "Mogga" or "Warky" we need to get us up?
3

BerlinBlue added 20:50 - Aug 25 Would be a great short-term signing. Very experienced and would want to show he's not finished in English football.
2

jas0999 added 20:57 - Aug 25 I keep saying it, but if we want to push on, we need to sign a top centre half to replace Berra. This foots the bill.
2

mojo added 21:34 - Aug 25 Not at all a surprise if true, was always likely to be the target of those mentioned at the Swedish game. We need an experienced pro first and foremost likeTaylor as cover only really.
1

Tractorboy1985 added 21:59 - Aug 25 Totally agree jas0999 but replacing Berra would cost us 3-4 million! We forget how good he really was for us! Yes he went off the boil last season and for me age was catching up with him! He winced every time he turned inside! Clearly got a long term problem with a niggly injury but my god the man was immense in the playoff campaign.. MOM for me 80% of games! He needs to be replaced but we do not have the money to replace like for like!

2

leftie1972 added 22:09 - Aug 25 Alex Bruce is on non contract terms. He's only 32.
-3

ArnieM added 22:25 - Aug 25 .... and is crap! No thanks
3

TimmyH added 22:32 - Aug 25 Past it...a bit like Steven Taylor, now we've started the season well time for ME to roll the dice, go out and get somebody good which will further boost an already confident team.
2

Cloddyseedbed added 22:36 - Aug 25 No. Do not bring in 34 year olds. They are past it. Can't run and get injured.
2

Akaroablue added 23:21 - Aug 25 Damien Delaney, getting on, but been a Town player before and plenty of EPL experience as well, ideal short tem remedy!
-1

BlueNomad added 23:21 - Aug 25 Are the people saying he's too old amongst those who advocate Delaney as a good option?
1

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