Town chairman David Sheepshanks says that despite extensive discussions the Blues have not been able to settle Finidi George's contract. Earlier today Finidi's agent Winny Haatrecht claimed the Blues had withdrawn a deal which the Nigerian was happy to accept.

Sheepshanks told the club site: "Negotiations have been stop-start between the club and the player's agent for some time now.

"A generous offer of settlement was made in January but no agreement was reached.

"Discussions reopened post administration involving Finidi's agent, the administrator and myself and, although we were close to agreement, no settlement was finalised.

"Our current financial status dictates our approach as to what can and cannot be done at this stage."

Finidi, still in Spain with his wife and new baby, is the highest paid player currently at the club on around £20,000-a-week.

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