Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham are understood to have enquired about the loan availability of 21-year-old Everton centre-half Shane Duffy.

Duffy came through the youth system at Everton and has so far made four starts — two in the Premier League — and six sub appearances for the Toffeemen.

The 6ft 4in tall defender has previously spent time on loan at Burnley, where his only appearance came in Town’s 2-1 victory at Turf Moor in April 2011, and Scunthorpe.

Capped by Northern Ireland at U16, U17, U18, U21 and B levels, Derry-born Duffy switched allegiance to the Republic of Ireland and has won caps with their U19s and U21s.

In May 2010, he underwent life-saving surgery after suffering a freak liver injury while playing for a Republic of Ireland development side.

Speaking earlier this week Everton coach Alan Stubbs said he expected Duffy to go out on loan: “It’s probably been frustrating for Shane.

“He hasn’t had as much playing time as he would have liked. There’s an opportunity or a possibility that Shane could go out on loan to get some invaluable experience.

“It’s just to get that competitive element to his game to make sure his mind is switched on. He’s gone past reserve-team football. He needs first-team action.”

Town manager Mick McCarthy has said that his squad is probably one centre-half short with Tommy Smith, Christophe Berra and Luke Chambers the only senior central defenders at the club.

With Chambers having switched to right-back in recent games, the Blues boss — who is believed to have initially shown interest in Duffy in the summer - may be looking for additional cover.

Photo: Action Images

JimmyJazz added 09:23 - Sep 20 21 and he's played how few games?
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MaySixth added 09:49 - Sep 20 Is that a problem JimmyJazz?
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cornishnick added 09:49 - Sep 20 If Everton want him to have some 1st team experience, there wouldn't be much point him coming here to as back up
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bluefeast added 09:56 - Sep 20 we don't need a centre half ,we need left winger and right winger and a striker with pace to work off MacGoldrick if that does not exist in our squad.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 09:59 - Sep 20 IMHO, this is a non-starter. I'd rather have a winger, and a striker to help McG out. Just as an aside: I've always liked Everton - a real "family" club in the shadow of the "superstars." (And they play in blue!)
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Guthrum added 10:05 - Sep 20 Can't see much point in having another CB here on a short-term loan. As well as our established pairings - who I can't see making way for a temporary incomer - we've already got Veseli and Mings who can play in that position if cover is needed.
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Michael11 added 11:19 - Sep 20 If i'm being fussy i'd prefer an experienced right back instead. We already have Chambers, Smith and Berra.
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arc added 12:31 - Sep 20 I expect he's on McC's list of players to bring in on loan should there be an injury or suspension.
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JimmyJazz added 15:11 - Sep 20 Maysixth - yes, he'd be just another inexperienced loanee who adds nothing as per Wabara/Reece Brown At 21 you'd rather have someone who's played a few games by now at the very least
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hossblue added 18:00 - Sep 20 We need a creative midfield player someone who can pick a pass to our front players.
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jas0999 added 19:52 - Sep 20 No point. Mings is on his way back and we have good cover. Creative midfield and strikers is what we need!
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