Town have settled the contract of Norwegian midfielder Vemund Brekke Skard. The 24-year-old failed to impress new manager Jim Magilton in his three games last year and in pre-season.

The former trainee teacher joined the Blues from Norwegian second division side Brumunddal after a trial late last year, securing a work permit in the January transfer window.

Town's decision to take an interest in Skard was a huge shock in Norway where he was an amateur with his club paying him only part of his travel expenses to play in front of a few hundred people.

Questions were asked about his future after he was rarely involved in pre-season and his name was omitted from the squad list in Saturday's programme. Town have made other English clubs aware of his availability.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa right-back Ulises De la Cruz trained with the squad yesterday as Jim Magilton continues to look for additions to his squad. The Ecuador World Cup star's contract requirements are well beyond the Blues, although a loan may still be an outside possibility. The Blues are expected to take further trialists before the transfer window closes.

West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is expected to sign on a season-long loan before the end of the week.

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