Chim-chim Carew?

Sam Allardyce has confirmed that the club has been in talks with John Carew.

The Norwegian striker is available on a free transfer after being released by Aston Villa at the expiry of his contract.

The 31-year-old joined Villa in 2007, scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over the Irons on his debut.

However, last season saw his first team opportunities limited by injury and loss of form, with Emile Heskey and Gabriel Agbonlahor both being rated ahead of the striker.

The arrival of Darren Bent for £18m pushed the player further down the pecking order and he saw out the end of the season at Stoke, netting twice in 13 league and cup appearances.

Speaking earlier today, Allardyce commented: "He has a number of offers on the table. We've given him our terms and conditions and, if we can we'll go from there."

Birmingham City, who may be set to lose striker Cameron Jerome, are also thought to be interested in signing the 6'5" forward who has made 88 appearances for the Norwegian national side, scoring 23 times in the process.

A striker is Allardyce's priority on the transfer front, with the earlier announcement that there would be no place in the squad for Mikael Forssell after the Finnish forward completed a trial spell at the Boleyn.

More on this as it develops....