Town have been linked with a move for Heerenveen central defender Pim Balkestein. The 21-year-old is understood to be the European target mentioned earlier in the week, while his father Luuk is being linked with the Blues' new international scouting role.

A fee is said to be agreed for Balkestein junior, who is 6ft 4in tall and is yet to make a senior appearance, who was on trial with the Blues towards the end of the season and played in the behind-closed-doors reserves friendly at Spurs, and was even captured on camera by the official Tottenham website.

Father Luuk, who was a player with Sparta Rotterdam, Feyenoord and Holland, is currently chief scout with German side Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Meanwhile, the Blues have again been linked with Manchester City frontman Emile Mpenza. Belgian reports mentioned the striker in connection with the Blues last month.

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