CHAMPIONSHIP leaders Wolves have joined the chase for Blues defender Alex Bruce.

Derek Davis

EXCLUSIVE

By Derek Davis

CHAMPIONSHIP leaders Wolves have joined the chase for Blues defender Alex Bruce.

Although Town have offered Bruce a two year deal the 24-year-old has rejected the offer as his camp feels it is way below parity with many of his team-mates.

That has alerted a host of clubs including Mick McCarthy's Wolves, according to sources in the Midlands.

The table-toppers have recently failed to secure Michel Leigterwood from QPR and after Michael Manciene returned to parent club Chelsea, McCarthy is keen to add a centre half.

McCarthy is also aware of Bruce's rise in the Republic of Ireland squad and saw at first hand the player in august, although that ended up with him being sent off in the 2-0 home loss.

A move to Molineux may suit the ambitious Bruce who is understood to have also attracted interest from Preston, Barnsley and Burnley, in the Championship. League One side Leeds United are believed to be willing to pay around �100,000 for him, while Giovanni Trappatonni has recommended him to clubs in Italy, including Fiorentina and Genoa.

Bruce is one of 14 clubs that can leave for nothing in the summer but Town are anxious to cash in on as many as possible in this window.

Darlington and Carlisle have expressed an interest in Billy Clarke, Southend want Dan Harding, Brighton would like to take back Matt Richards, while Dean Bowditch has spoken of his desire to sign for Brentford.

While Town are holding out for a fee all the clubs, and players, would rather use the money for wages and are reluctant to pay for players they can get for nothing in six months.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk