AMERICAN international Carlos Bocanegra has emerged as a Blues summer transfer target.Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton will have to outwit Coventry city boss Chris Coleman for the defender's signature after he was surprisingly released by Fulham.

Derek Davis

AMERICAN international Carlos Bocanegra has emerged as a Blues summer transfer target.

Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton will have to outwit Coventry city boss Chris Coleman for the defender's signature after he was surprisingly released by Fulham.

Bocanegra, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Sunday, is understood to also be considering offers to play in the MLS.

The Blues asked about the versatile Bocanegra's availability in January along with centre-half Dejan Stefanovic but were told he did not want to drop down into the Championship.

Although Bocanegra would prefer to find another Premiership club is not is believed he is now ready to consider championship clubs although Coventry have the edge as he played under Coleman at Fulham.

The six-foot tall can play left back or centre half, and has been known to go into midfield where he can pop up with a few goals.

He captained Fulham under Coleman and has won 53 full caps for the United States.

Bocanegra started his professional career at MLS side Chicago Fire and signed for the Cottagers in 2004 where he has made more that 120 appearances.

Although Ipswich have agreed a fee to sign 21-year-old Pim Balkestein, Magilton is still after an experienced defender and the flexible Bocanegra would fit the bill.

Leicester City's Gareth McAuley remains a top target for Town, but they may have to wait until a new manager has been appointed following Ian Holloway's departure before anything is decided on the Ulsterman.

Serbian international Stefanovic is also high on Magilton's wish list and a change in his work permit status could benefit the Blues.

Magilton is away on holiday, so it is unlikely any team business will be concluded this week, although changes in backroom staff may still be concluded.

Ipswich coaches will also get a first hand look at a group of international players this week as Antigua and Barbuda's World Cup qualifying squad train at Playford Road.

The Caribbean outfit are being coached by former Blues assistant manager Willie Donachie.