Boss Jim Magilton has revealed that Colchester United striker Jamie Cureton could become a target if the Blues fail to land Franny Jeffers from Blackburn Rovers. The Ewood Park club have refused Town's second bid for the striker, believed to be in the region of £500,000 plus top-ups.

The U's have turned down a transfer request from Cureton, who has a year left on his contract, but Magilton says the 31-year-old, who top-scored in the Championship last year with 23 goals, could enter his thoughts for the season ahead: “I believe Southampton are very interested and we would also have some other irons in the fire, but we would keep abreast of the Jamie Cureton situation."

Cureton started his career with Norwich, famously appearing on the losing side in an East Anglian derby with his hair dyed green. The Bristolian moved on loan to Bournemouth and Bristol Rovers on loan before joining his home town club permanently.

Spells with Reading, in South Korea with Pusan Icons, QPR and Swindon followed, before his highly successful move to Colchester on a free transfer last summer after spending most of the previous season on loan at Layer Road.

Meanwhile, TWTD understands that Colchester are showing an interest in Blues defender Ian Miller. The former Bury Town man is out of contract at the end of June and is yet to sign his new one-year deal at Portman Road.

Miller, who made one appearance as a sub for Town last season after signing from the non-league side, spent successful spells on loan at Boston and Darlington and the Quakers were reported to be keen on his return to the North-East earlier in the summer.

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls