in the know

FORMER Coventry striker Carl Baker is a target for a number of clubs including Portsmouth after being released by the Sky Blues in January.

Baker is now a free agent and has been talking to a number of clubs since he was given a free transfer just before the January transfer window closed.

The 31 year-old, who scored ten goals for Coventry last season, was a firm fans favourite at the Ricoh before he was surprisingly let go.

Championship strugglers Blackpool have been been leading the race to land him after having productive talks last week.

League One MK Dons are said to be interested while Baker is thought to favour staying within easy travelling distance of his Midlands based family.

That could still give them the advantage as Blackpool and Portsmouth would require Baker to move, which he has no desire to do.

Pompey boss Andy Awford still has room within his budget to make a couple of signings and build on the reasonable start to the season his side have made.

Barnsley are also thought to be interested. WOLVES are keeping tabs on Southampton striker Emmanuel Mayuka with a view to taking him on loan in the next couple of weeks.

Ken Jackett wants to improve his squad and the Zambian is the latest player his scouting network has been taking a look at. ADAM Reach, the Middlesbrough winger, is attracting the interest of a whole host of Premier League scouts.

The former England under-20 international has been a regular for Boro this season, which has caught the eye of watching scouts with a series of impressive performances.

The 21 year-old from Chester-leStreet has come up through the ranks at the Riverside Stadium and was loaned to Darlington, Shrewsbury and Bradford City to gain experience.

Manchester City and Liverpool have been keeping tabs along with a number of others, including Burnley and Hull.

Aitor Karanka is looking to build a side which will win promotion back to the top-flight after six seasons in the second tier of English football.