Preston boss Paul Simpson says that Sam Parkin is one of a number of strikers his club is considering signing. The Lilywhites and Luton are reported to have had £300,000 offers accepted by the Blues.

Simpson, once a team-mate of Jim Magilton's at Oxford United, confirmed that the former Swindon man is amongst his targets: "He's a player who I am interested in. I tell the chairman who I would like to sign, within reason, and he tries to get them here.

"Sam Parkin is one of a number of players who we have enquired about, whether it's permanent or loan signings. We're still in the hunt for players and we have still got the chance to bring new faces in.

"There are a number of players I'm interested in. [Arsenal youngster Arturo] Lupoli is a player I like, Neil Mellor is a player I like. I'm looking for at least one striker.

"Giuseppe Rossi is also a player I like, but as far as I'm aware, Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't want him to go out on loan at the moment, but he is a player I've asked about."

In addition to Luton and Preston, Sheffield Wednesday and QPR are both reported to have had loan bids turned down by Town, while Coventry and Brighton previously showed an interest in last summer's £450,000 signing.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls