Town boss Jim Magilton has travelled to Northern Ireland today to watch Linfield striker Peter Thompson in action. Magilton is reported to be ready to offer the 22-year-old a move to Portman Road when the transfer window reopens in January.

Magilton, who has been keeping an eye on the Irish market on both sides of the border since taking over as Town boss in May, will see Linfield take on Glentoran in a Northern Irish League Cup semi-final.

The Town manager told a newspaper in his homeland: "Everyone I have spoken to about Peter Thompson has said good things and obviously anyone who scores so many goals in one season will attract interest.

"I saw a video of the Irish Cup final too and he took his two goals that day very well [as Linfield beat Glentoran 2-1].

"He made the international squad too and not many players in the Irish League do that these days.

"I am interested in the lad and this is a good opportunity for me to come over and see him in a big game."

Nicknamed Pistol Pete, Thompson scored 48 goals in 58 games last season, having netted 27 times in 50 matches the previous year. This season he has found the target 11 times in 16 games.

Thompson, who was previously linked with the Blues in February, has 18 months remaining on his contract with Linfield and will command a low six-figure fee.

Queen's Park Rangers and Gretna both failed in bids for Thompson last season, while Barnsley and Derby were also reported to have watched him in action.

Town's interest in another striker suggests that Jon Macken's stay at Portman Road may not be extended when his current loan spell ends in January.

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