Boss Jim Magilton says he is still keen to sign Manchester United centre-half Paul McShane. The Blues have had a season-long loan bid for the Republic of Ireland U21 international knocked back, United wanting McShane to move permanently for £250,000.

Magilton said: "I would love to get the kid on board but it's all been a bit hectic this week and I don't want anything else to get in the way of Saturday's game.

"Right now, nothing is more important than the Palace game, but I'm a big fan of McShane's and would like to get something sorted if I can."

Yesterday, chief executive Derek Bowden said that the completion of Ian Westlake's move to Leeds, which brought the Blues £450,000 in cash in addition to Dan Harding, would make the signing of McShane more likely if Magilton saw him as a priority above other potential signings.

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