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

SMS added 00:53 - Aug 26 Wow. If true. Not long term but.... best back up (or anyone's) CD in our history...
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GiveusaWave added 05:26 - Aug 26 Given the fact we don't have any recognised centre-backs, certainly worth a shot. Thought we'd be gunning for one of the others though. How likely is it Olsson will relocate his family yet again for a years contract with us? He's settled in well with his present team and has always said how much he loves Sweden. Seems an odd move on his part if he says yes.
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BlueandTruesince82 added 10:00 - Aug 26 Decent cover short term but didn't he want to him home and finish his career. Seems unlikely to me. If it's experienced cover than Bruce for me still. Not Delaney, how on earth he had been a main stay of that palace side is beyond me. Though he was always iffy with us let alone Prem. But then Big Sam et al see something I don't so...
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thundercat600 added 11:33 - Aug 26 Isn't it strange, many on here want Mc McCarthy out, yet when he goes to watch a potential signing, the players he goes to watch all say the same thing, " if McCarthy is here every one takes notice because of his standing in the game"
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runningout added 11:51 - Aug 26 Most CB's are a gamble when bringing in
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Seasider added 12:04 - Aug 26 When it was reported,I said thought it would be him. Mick said recently that he was looking for a 'hairy arsed defender'which is his uncouth way of saying he was looking for experience which Olsson has bags of. The other day in the press conference,in answer to a question about overseas players ,he said would prefer players who had experience of the English game;so Jonas fits the bill admirably.

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leftie1972 added 12:26 - Aug 26 I'm sure Delaney sis 36!
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leftie1972 added 12:27 - Aug 26 Delaney is 36,
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Lightningboy added 12:53 - Aug 26 May be an ok option til the end of the season but we prob need to be looking for younger players long term. What concerns me is the constant injuries Webster seems to be picking up - not just him as we all know but he seems to be injured quite a lot,hope he's not going to become another Teddy Bishop. Do our training methods need looking at?
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Dissboyitfc added 14:44 - Aug 26 Thundercat you are exagerating and twisting what was said, He said, and i quote! “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.” Yes he is well known name, Not quite the same is it!
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runningout added 00:03 - Aug 29 We have been unessessarily found wanting at CB for years. It's time we had strength in depth there. Could do with Olssen and Hobbs
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NeverGoingUp added 15:56 - Aug 29 Just seen this in the Nottingham Post; Ipswich are leading the race to take Nottingham Forest defender Jack Hobbs on loan - but the defender's wages may yet prove to be a stumbling block over a move to Portman Road.
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