x

Hurst Not Giving Up on Tilt - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Paul Hurst says he’s not yet given up on his attempt to sign central defender Curtis Tilt from Blackpool.

The Blues have made a number of offers for the 26-year-old, the latest believed to have reached £700,000, with the player having handed in a transfer request.

Town are understood to have found negotiations with the Tangerines tough going with Blackpool digging their heels in regarding their £1 million valuation of the former Wrexham man.

Hurst was pleased to learn that Tilt hadn’t played for the Seasiders in their friendly against Crewe last Saturday, however, his absence ultimately didn’t signal progress having been made.

"Again, as far as I’m concerned that situation hasn’t changed,” the Blues manager said. "I don’t know if he had a little injury and that’s why he didn’t play.

"I guess like some of the other lads we’ve been linked to, he’s not my player at this moment in time, whether he ever will be, so I don’t want to go into that too much.”

However, he says he’s not yet given up the chase, although says the Blues could move on to other targets, something he hints he has indicated to Blackpool.

"No point in giving up on anything just yet,” he said. "What I would say is, and what I’ve kind of made clear to certain people is, just because you’re interested in a player doesn’t mean you’re only interested in that player and no one else.

"So if it isn’t going to happen, we’ve got to have other things in mind that we’ll act upon. Now if a deal can be done somewhere else, then it might be we’re better going for that because I want a squad in place, as I’ve said, and I want to know what I’m working with.

"So, yes, that’s balanced out with some patience but at the same time, if you know a deal can be done and you like the player, let’s get it done.”

When quizzed about Accrington striker Kayden Jackson, for whom the Blues are understood to have lodged a £1.5 million bid, he responded: "I think we could go on and on and on and on. I’m not going to add to that.

"I obviously know the player, I worked with him when I was at Grimsby, he was on loan from Barnsley at the time.

"I promise you once there is anything to say, you’ll be invited up to meet him and have a chat.”

What to read next:

Town Women Re-Sign Doe on Permanent Deal
Ipswich Town Women have re-signed midfielder Ruby Doe for a third spell, this time on a permanent basis.
Town Among Clubs Linked With McBurnie
Town are reported to be among a number of Championship clubs showing interest in free agent Scotland international striker Oli McBurnie.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town Still to Accept Broadhead Bid
Town are still to accept a bid from Championship new boys Wrexham for Wales international Nathan Broadhead, TWTD understands.
Academy Scholar Longwe Joins Seasiders on Loan
Academy central midfielder Usisya Longwe has joined Isthmian North Division Felixstowe & Walton on loan.
Pert: Young Will Be a Real Asset
Assistant manager Martyn Pert believes new signing Ashley Young will be a “real asset” for the Blues in the season ahead, the former England international having made his first appearance in a Town shirt in last night’s 2-1 friendly victory over Charlton Athletic at Colchester’s JobServe Community Stadium.
Mazionis Completes Cheltenham Loan Move
Young Blues central defender Jacob Mazionis has completed his season-long loan switch to League Two Cheltenham Town.
Wrexham Closing in On Broadhead Signing
Town are understood to have agreed a fee from Wrexham for forward Nathan Broadhead.
Townsend: We Need to Get That Winning Feeling Back
Town full-back Conor Townsend believes it is important to get into the habit of winning again following the Blues’ 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over Charlton Athletic.
U18s Beaten at Bury
Town's U18s were well-beaten 3-0 by Bury Town at Ram Meadow on Tuesday evening as the non-league side reclaimed the Martin Swallow Memorial Trophy, with two of their three goals coming via former Blues academy players.