in the know

WIGAN ATHLETIC are ready to make a move for Hull City central defender Harry Maguire after Steve Bruce blocked a loan to his former club Sheffield United.

The Tigers boss is ready to send Maguire out on loan after the defender found first-team chances limited following his £2.5m move from the Blades in the summer.

Sheffield United had asked about the England U21 international, but Bruce rejected the idea, insisting he wants him to play at a higher level.

Both Wigan and Middlesbrough had scouts watching Maguire in action for Hull’s development side last week.

Wigan are hoping to clinch a deal for Maguire after the international break to maximise the time they will have with him.

The 21-year-old has been left without much match action following the Tigers’ early exit from both the Europa League and Carling Cup.

Bruce believes Maguire will develop into a top class Premier League defender but says he needs to be patient with his development and believes a loan spell will aid that. SWINDON TOWN are weighing up giving QPR defender defender Jamie Sendles-White a permanent deal after taking a look at him on trial.

The Northern Ireland U21 international is under contract at Rangers until the end of this season but played in a development game for Swindon last week. BRIGHTON are among Championship clubs keeping an eye on Portsmouth defender Dan Butler.

Butler, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been a first team regular for Pompey this season.

The 20-year-old from Cowes was plunged into first team action in January 2013 when Pompey suffered a shortage of players due to cash problems.

Clubs are starting to look at him sensing they could bag a bargain.

If Butler refuses to sign a new deal at Fratton Park Portsmouth would have to run the gauntlet of going to a tribunal.

Brighton have had Butler watched three times this season while Ipswich are another club taking a look.

A Millwall scout has also watched him.