George Burley is thought to be ready to step up his interest in Birmingham City midfielder Bryan Hughes.

The Ipswich Town boss has been away with his first-team squad on a winter mini-break in Spain this week.

But, with club chairman David Sheepshanks due back from a visit to the USA, the Blues are believed to be preparing a bid in the region of £2 million.

City have already bought Curtis Woodhouse to play in Hughes' favoured central midfield role and it seems only a matter of time before he leaves St Andrews.

However, Burley has moved to scotch rumours linking AB Copenhagen defender Brian Steen Nielsen with a move to Portman Road.

Stephen Cosgrove is set to make his debut for Ipswich in tonight's FA Premier Reserve League clash at home to Watford.

The highly-rated Manchester United teenager arrived on trial yesterday and faces an immediate bow against the Hornets if the paperwork is completed in time.

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