Sheff United want Town target James Wilson

The Blades, who have no recognised centre-backs after releasing them all, are in the hunt along with Town, Rochdale and League Two side Leyton Orient.

The 27-year-old is available on a free transfer after his contract at Oldham expired.

But although United are recognised as the biggest club in the third tier, they are trying to slash their wage bill.

And sources claim the biggest offer on the table for Wilson has come from ambitious Orient, who are trying to win promotion to return to League One.

The news comes as Town have taken on two trialists as they continue with their summer rebuild.

Boss Micky Mellon wants to keep the names of the duo under wraps to avoid alerting other clubs but is keen to add to the eight summer signings he has made.

A centre-back and another striker would appear to be on Mellon's list. Town have lost captain Nathaniel Knight-Percival to Bradford.

Strikers James Collins and Tyrone Barnett have returned to pre-season training but face an uncertain future after being loaned out last season.

Mellon told the club's website: "We've got a couple of trialists. We're always looking to strengthen and we have a few things we're on with.

"Hopefully, over the next few days and weeks we can get them things over the line.

"We want to have a good look at them so we'll continue to try to do our best to keep that under wraps."

Meanwhile, Mellon wants fans who have helped pay for the GPS trackers see the devices in action.

The Super Blues supporters group splashed out £8,000 this summer to pay for the hi-tech devices.

The Town boss said: "At some stage, we'll show them the data if we get the chance to show them.

"It really has changed an awful lot of how we've done things this pre-season. I want to thank the Super Blues for making that piece of equipment available.

"We'll make sure we get every ounce of use out of it."

Match-day admission has been frozen at the Greenhous Meadow next season.