Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt has today handed in a transfer request in order to try and force through a move to Ipswich Town.
The Blues have been locked in negotiations with Blackpool regarding Tilt for some time now and it’s understood owner Marcus Evans is losing patience regarding a continual moving of the goalposts.
It’s believed the Blues have twice had bids rejected by the League One club for the left-footed 26-year-old, the latest of which was around £600k.
Tilt enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Football League after stepping up from National League club Wrexham. He is now keen to make a rapid step up to the Championship and join Paul Hurst’s growing group of hungry lower league signings.
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However, both Evans and Hurst are not prepared to pay over the odds for a player in the final year of his contract.
The Blues are closing in on the signing of versatile Accrington Stanley defender Janoi Donacien – someone who is comfortable playing centre-back or in either full-back slot.
Hurst is still keen to land at least one more centre-back sooner rather than later though and it’s understood that a move could still be made for his trusted stalwart Toto Nsiala – a player he signed for both Grimsby and Shrewsbury.
The 26-year-old made 58 starts last season as the Shrews made both the League One Play-Off Final and Checkatrade Trophy Final and it’s understood he is valued at around £1m.
The transfer window for permanent deals shuts at 5pm next Thursday, though Football League clubs can still sign loan players until the end of August.
Town sold Adam Webster to Bristol City for £3.5m earlier this summer, with homegrown youngster Luke Woolfenden having partnered captain Luke Chambers at the heart of defence throughout pre-season.
Evans remain locked in negotiations with Championship rivals Middlesbrough and Derby County regarding their interest in last season’s 16-goal top-scorer Martyn Waghorn. Hurst has stated the club has a valuation in mind for the 28-year-old.
Middlesbrough could be the club in position to move first given Patrick Bamford is reportedly on the verge of a £7m switch to Leeds.
It’s understood the Blues will not sanction Waghorn’s sale until they have a replacement in the building, with Accrington’s Kayden Jackson having been lined up.
So far, Hurst has made four summer additions: Striker Ellis Harrison (Bristol Rovers, £750k), winger Gwion Edwards (Peterborough, £700k), midfielder Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea, loan) and winger Jordan Roberts (Crawley, free).
Town kick-start their 2018/19 campaign starts with the visit of newly-promoted Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
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