Brighton and Hove Albion manager Mark McGhee has entered the race to sign Town striker Sam Parkin. McGhee is a long-time admirer of the frontman, taking him on loan from Chelsea during his time as Millwall boss.

The Seagulls manager said: "Sam Parkin has been one on our list for some time. We have been pursuing a few simultaneously. He had an injury last season and ended up not featuring too much.

"I had him on loan at Millwall before he went to Swindon, so I have known about Sam for a long time. He could certainly do a job for us in this division, but at the moment there is no certainty in it at all."

Brighton were one of several Championship clubs who targeted Parkin last summer but lost out to the Blues. Coventry City failed with a bid for the 25-year-old at the end of last week.

Parkin himself says he is keen to remain with the Blues: "I was not sure what was going on until I saw my name splashed all over the local paper but I am focused on staying at Ipswich.

"You never know what is going to happen in football but I don't think people here have seen the best of me yet.

"It is definitely a case of making up for lost time.

"I have not shown what I am capable of. I showed it in patches last season but then to be ruled out for so long was a real blow."

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