Town are reported to be interested in free agent former Watford centre-half Craig Cathcart.

According to the Daily Mirror’s Darren Witcoop, the Blues and League One Reading are among a number of teams interested in the 34-year-old 72-times-capped Northern Ireland international.

While Town look set to be in the market for another central defender this summer, and most likely an experienced one to take on the role vacated by Richard Keogh following his release in May, we understand the story is nothing more than a rumour at this stage.

Belfast-born Cathcart started his English career with Manchester United’s academy but left Old Trafford before making a senior appearance.

The 6ft 2in tall defender spent time on loan at Royal Antwerp, Plymouth and Watford while with the Red Devils before joining Blackpool on a permanent basis in August 2010 ahead of their only Premier League season.

After four years at Bloomfield Road, Cathcart returned to the Hornets on a full-time basis in June 2014, where he stayed until his release this summer.

Over his two spells, in which he featured in six Premier League seasons, Cathcart made 243 starts and 19 sub appearances, scoring eight times.

Photo: Matchday Images

Asa added 13:12 - Jul 3 Even for the news comments, a surprising number of people saying no thanks to what would be a very valuable addition to the squad. Short memories. Tony Mowbray signed for us around 33, was a bit part player for a couple of seasons and then played most games for his final two seasons at the top of the Championship at age 36-37. Cathcart is a leader, experienced Premier League and Championship defender, who played a large number of games last season for a side towards the top six / top half. He'd be a welcome experienced leader to compliment the exciting young squad we are building. We have to live within FFP. A young version of Cathcart is going to cost you £4m-£5m and have very little experience to add into the group. Keogh was frequently hailed as a massive figure last season despite barely playing. This is a player who has exceeded what Keogh did in the game off the back of a good season at this level who would provide quality backup to Wolf. For me, a definite upgrade on Edmundson, who I just don't rate as highly as many others, especially in possession which is vital to our style of play. Wolf and Cathcart plus Burgess and a left sided upgrade would put us in very decent shape.

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Asa added 13:28 - Jul 3 Will just add, having looked it up, Catnhcart has three times the international caps of Keogh, is 2 years younger and has played 5 of his last 7 seasons in the Premier League, playing plenty of games, many of which were for 4 seasons in which Watford stayed up. Keogh never played in the Premier League and was playing in League One a couple of seasons ago. Cathcart was playing most in the top division for a team that liked to splash money about who didn't see fit to replace him. Clearly a very good defender still.

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Gforce added 13:52 - Jul 3 Hope all the positive comments towards Cathcart are correct. But if he's that good ,why are Watford releasing him ?
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joyousblue added 14:44 - Jul 3 Just sign him great adition , when some of you say weneed to be investing in youth , for the future without the here and now we might not have a future
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 15:08 - Jul 3 I suspect that either we'll sign him, or we won't.
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blues1 added 15:12 - Jul 3 George. Who's says it's their decision, for one thing. Could just as easily be a case of him wanting a change. Also could be that they need to budget with likely still having some high wages in the squad. Its not always bcse a player isn't playing well, that a club releases him. But of course, to some of our fans it has to be that.
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Runner added 16:16 - Jul 3 It has been reported that Ipswich are interested in signing free agent Wilfred Zaha. Some players were spotted at his recent wedding to Paige Bannister, the pair were engaged on Valentine's day last year.
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oldblue added 17:39 - Jul 3 Tony Mowbray was 36 when he scored at Wembley in 2000....just saying
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Len_Brennan added 21:50 - Jul 3 I see Mads Andersen has joined Luton today; I would have seen him as a very strong candidate for someone KMcK would be interested in bringing to the club on a permanent deal. Oh well, if we were interested, can't argue with him choosing a Premier League side. They needed to replace Sonny Bradley ... who is still a free agent of course!!!
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BrettenhamBlue added 02:16 - Jul 4 I'd take either one of Cathcart or Bradley= we 100% need some experience in our defence.
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