THREE clubs are leading the chase to sign Blackburn defender Andy Todd.

Telegraph Sport can reveal discussions have taken place between Todd's agent Peter Harrison, two Premiership clubs and one Championship outfit, who are hoping to secure the services of the 32-year-old.

And, although Todd is currently on holiday and not due back until Sunday, it is understood a deal could be done as early as the middle of next week.

Harrison said: "I've spoken to three clubs about Andy who are all in England, two in the Premiership and one from the Championship.

"We're hoping by the start of next week that something can be sorted out."

Todd has been deemed surplus to requirements at Ewood Park following the arrival of Andre Ooijer and Chris Samba last season.

Rovers manager Mark Hughes has said Todd can leave, despite having 12 months left to run on his contract, although the club look to be holding out for up to £500,000 for him.

Wigan, Bolton, Sunderland, Derby County and Coventry City have all been interested in the exp-erienced defender.

Meanwhile, Ipswich are set to increase their bid for Franny Jeffers after confirmation that a second Championship club are interested in signing the Rovers striker.

Town boss Jim Magilton has had two bids turned down by Blackburn. The latest was £500,000 plus add-ons, but Rovers are asking for close to £1million.

But Magilton is determined to get Jeffers, who scored four goals while on loan at Portman Road last season.

He said: "There is always going to be speculation about Franny and we have to go along with that.

"He is our main priority and we want him in the building and we will be doing all we can to confirm it.

"But if it doesn't happen we will have to look elsewhere. There will be no panic.

"Blackburn are obviously looking at the Darren Bent situation at Charlton knowing that if he moves it will mean money for us in the sell-on clause.

"I have no doubts that Darren's transfer will go through, and we just have to be patient and hope that things work out in time for us to seal a deal to buy Franny."

It was reported in East Anglia that goalkeeper Lewis Price could be used as bait in the Jeffers deal, but that is unlikely.