Mick McCarthy is mulling over offering former Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake a short-term deal.

The 27-year-old striker is currently sidelined after breaking his leg and damaging ankle ligaments towards the end of last season, but has scored 87 goals in 243 Championship appearances.

Premier League new-boys Crystal Palace are also interested in the hitman, who was released at the end of last season, and is not likely to be fully fit again until October.

The former England Under-21 international, who worked under Eagles boss Ian Holloway, at Plymouth, was understood to be keen on a switch to Portman Road in January.

But the Blues boss was not prepared to pay a fee for the ex-Manchester United forward, with just six months remaining on his contract.

McCarthy signed the former United youngster at Molineux in 2008 and was rewarded as the Cambridge-born front man’s 25 league goals helped the Black Country club lift the Championship title a year later.

Ebanks-Blake also enjoyed a prolific spell in Devon with the Pilgrims and the Eagles may be tempted to part with some of their new-found top-flight riches and take a gamble on him.

McCarthy has also been linked with Wanderers’ defender Richard Stearman, who enjoyed a fruitful spell on loan at Portman Road last season.

We understand the clubs have yet to enter dialogue over any deal for the 25-year-old, who is keen to leave Molineux following the club’s demotion to the third tier.

Blues draw Stevenage in Capital One Cup first round, see page 39