Town have refused to comment on last night's reports claiming the Blues had offered Portsmouth a fee of £3.5 million rising to £5 million for striker David Nugent. Earlier, Jim Magilton confirmed his interest in the frontman, who was a loan target in March.

A Town spokesperson said: "It is well documented that Jim Magilton has an admiration for the striker, but there is nothing more to say.”

Last night national newspaper reports linked the Blues with the move for Nugent, while suggestions that a deal was close appeared on the TWTD Message Board earlier in the evening.

Virtually all this morning's national newspapers carry the story, reporting that the Blues are offering £3.5 million up front with another £1.5 million due to Pompey if Town win promotion to the Premier League.

The Blues first targeted Nugent, who hasn't gone on Portsmouth's pre-season tour of South Africa due to a groin injury, earlier in the year when Jim Magilton tried to sign the 23-year-old on loan. Portsmouth agreed a deal, but the player turned the switch down without informing Magilton, a lack of courtesy which failed to impress the Town manager.

Nugent has failed to settle at Pompey since making a £6 million move from Preston last summer. The 5ft 11in tall striker started his career with Bury having been a youth player with Liverpool.

After scoring 20 goals in 66 starts and 36 sub appearances with Bury in three years, Preston took Nugent into the Championship in 2005. It was with the Deepdale side that the striker started to make a real impression, netting 37 goals in 95 starts and 12 sub appearances.

That led to his move to Portsmouth and calls into the England squad. The Huyton-born frontman opened his international goals account in his only appearance, as a sub in the victory over Andorra in Barcelona.

If Nugent completes his move to the Blues, it is likely he would make his debut against former club Preston on the opening day of the season.

Further to the earlier report, Town have now spoken to Celtic defender Bobo Balde and are hopeful that the Guinean might consider a move to Portman Road, although Sunderland appears his most likely destination.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls