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Clinton Morrison's 41 goals in 96 starts for Crystal Palace have made him a prime target for Coventry.

The out-of-contract Republic of Ireland striker is reportedly close - "99 per cent" certain to be more precise - to leaving Selhurst Park for a second time and sealing a move to the Ricoh Arena.

Sky Blues boss Chris Coleman has turned to the goal ace after Freddy Eastwood's proposed move from Wolves fell through earlier in the week. The Wales striker has since been told he had 24 hours to resurrect his transfer, but with Morrison near to a sealing a deal, Eastwood's has been further jeopardised.

Down the road, former Aston Villa striker Kevin Phillips looks set on making it a hat-trick of Midlands clubs by signing for Birmingham from West Brom.

The evergreen 34-year-old is rather nonplussed about the Baggies' offer of a one-year extension to his contract, which is up this summer, and is ready to take up the Blues' proposition of a straight two-year contract.

Up in Lancashire, Burnley 's close season transfer dealings could not be going any better, with Owen Coyle proving rather prolific this summer.

Not content with having already captured record signing Martin Paterson, midfielder Kevin McDonald, goalkeeper Diego Penny and left-back Christian Kalvenes, the Clarets boss has promised yet more new signings.

Coyle has ruled out a swoop for Celtic's Derek Riordan, but says he is keen on further bolstering his squad.

"You speak to any manager and they're always looking to bring in more players and hopefully we'll have another two or three in place before the season starts," Coyle said.

But there is bad news for fans of long drawn-out transfer sagas elsewhere - Derby have pulled out of their pursuit of Swansea ace Ferrie Bodde after having had two bids rejected by the Swans.

Rams director of football Adam Pearson does not want to get drawn into a bidding war with Middlesbrough, who are also keen on the Dutch midfielder, and said: "This is not acceptable. We will not be held to ransom. We have formally withdrawn our offer and will watch the situation."

In other transfer gossip, Ipswich are pondering a move for Woking's former Fulham left-back Adam Green, Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell wants to reduce the size of his squad and Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has promised Blues fans more signings to add to Lee Carsley before the season starts.

Eurosport