Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor could save Stoke or Coventry a wad of cash if he chooses to move there as a free agent.

The Northern Ireland international spent last term competing for the number one jersey with highly-rated youngster Colin Doyle but a two-year contract is on the table for him to remain at St Andrews.

The former Southampton and Fulham stopper will chew over this offer and if he decides to seek fresh pastures the lure of a return to the Premier League with the promoted Potters could lead the 36-year-old to politely decline the Sky Blues' advances.

Marcus Bent could be set to return from his one year hiatus with Charlton. The Daily Star has alleged that Wigan boss Steve Bruce has had a change of heart and no longer needs the striker's services.

If the Addicks can hold on to the powerful frontman for the new campaign it would be like a new signing and save bags of money.

As Aaron Ramsey draws closer to a move to Arsenal, Cardiff have been kept busy by numerous bids for their playing staff.

But Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale is determined that the club will not become merely a stepping stone and wants to keep the squad together.

The latest player targeted is midfielder Peter Whittingham - Nottingham Forest rate him at £2million. Other names linked with flying the nest are Roger Johnson, Glenn Loovens and Kevin McNaughton.

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray deserves his own BBC primetime show.

He knows a good bargain when he sees one and the prospect of Adel Taarabt lining up at the Hawthorns on loan from Tottenham, dare we say, would even get permanently orange antique dealer David Dickinson purring.

Amardeep Claire / Eurosport