Blues boss Paul Hurst says there’s nothing in reports linking him with a return to his former club Shrewsbury to sign midfielder Jon Nolan and defender Aristote Nsiala, while he confirmed that winger Mustapha Carayol and striker David McGoldrick won’t be back with the Blues for the season ahead.
Nolan and Nsiala have been linked on a number of occasions since Hurst took over at Portman Road at the end of last month, however, when asked about the reports the new Blues boss said there is nothing in them.
"Not really, no,” he responded. "I think those players will be closely guarded, shall we say. Whether anything happens for those lads, we’ll see.
"Clearly there are some good players that I’ve left behind there. As staff you get some praise but ultimately it’s the players and they had an excellent season and they’ll be looking to repeat that.”
As for Carayol, who impressed during an injury-hit short spell in the second half of last season, returning, he added: "There’s been no contact regarding him and in all honesty I’ve kind of got the targets in mind.
"He’s a player, like you say, who fits the bill in a lot of ways but again I’m maybe just trying to freshen things up. Never say never but at the minute I’ve got other players in mind.”
As reported by TWTD in May, Hurst confirmed McGoldrick has left the club will not be returning with his contract up at the end of the month: "David’s moved on.”
The Irish international’s departure means Hurst is likely to be looking for another striker this summer as well as wingers, which he has already said he is targeting, while another central defender also appears to be on his wish-list.
On which note, the Blues are reported to have made a bid for Blackpool centre-half Curtis Tilt, 26.
According to HITC Sport, the Blues are hoping to steal a march on a number of other clubs who are keen on Tilt, who include Reading, QPR and Portsmouth.
Walsall-born Tilt played in non-league for Halesowen Town, Hednesford Town, AFC Telford Town, Wrexham and Forest Green Rovers (loan) before joining the Tangerines last summer. He made 45 starts for the League One side last season, scoring once.