UNSETTLED Brighton attacker Colin Kazim-Richards has been offered to Ipswich Town as a part of a deal to take Sam Parkin to the Withdean Stadium.But Blues boss Jim Magilton is reluctant to...

By Derek Davis

UNSETTLED Brighton attacker Colin Kazim-Richards has been offered to Ipswich Town as a part of a deal to take Sam Parkin to the Withdean Stadium.

But Blues boss Jim Magilton is reluctant to allow Parkin to leave and last night revealed he is considering starting the striker at Leicester City, on Saturday.

Magilton admitted he is a fan of Kazim-Richards, known as the Coca-Cola Kid, after being bought by the Seagulls from prize-money in a national competition.

The former Bury striker was unhappy at being left out of Tuesday's game with Gillingham and slapped in a transfer request which, ironically, was rejected by manager Mark McGhee.

Magilton said: “I watched him play last season and in both the games against us he did very well and is an exciting player that I like.

“But Sam is still very much part of my plans and nothing will happen. Sam is very much in my thoughts for Saturday. He came on against Wolves and did well and it is in my mind to start him at Leicester.

“I'm very happy for Sam to be in this squad because even when he was not playing he did an important job because he provided competition for other players.

“Sam has a proven goal record and I know he can do a very good job for us here.”

The Blues have missed out on Manchester United defender Paul McShane, with West Brom believed to be keen on taking him as part of a deal that would take keeper Tomasz Kuszczak to Old Trafford. Town have already turned their attentions to another defender and are in negotiations with a club.

He said: “I would like to provide cover and competition for Jason (De Vos) and Richard (Naylor). Although we have Fabian (Wilnis) I would like to bring in a defender. I have made an inquiry about a player and something could happen in the next day or so.”The Blues are today waiting for a decision by West Ham midfielder Mark Noble on whether he will join them on loan, with Hull City also an option for the 19-year-old. Magilton said: “We have approached West Ham with a view to taking Mark Noble on loan and they have agreed. They have put it to the player and it is now up to him to decide and that is what we are waiting on.

“It would be fantastic if he chooses to come to us, but if he doesn't then we will continue the search.”

The need to strengthen in midfield has increased with Owen Garvan told to go home to Dublin and take a complete rest after being diagnosed with post-viral fatigue syndrome following his attack of shingles last month. Garvan is unlikely to be ready for action until at least next month.

The Blues have been impressed with 21-year-old former Newcastle United wide midfielder Martin Brittain, who is on trial at Portman Road following a trial with Kilmarnock.

Magilton said: “He has been training with us and has done very well. We will monitor him for a while and see how he goes.”