Ipswich Town target Kayden Jackson admits he would love the chance to play in the Championship, as Blues owner Marcus Evans remains locked in negotiations regarding the potential sale of Martyn Waghorn.

East Anglian Daily Times: Janoi Donacien can play a number of defensive positions. Photo: PAJanoi Donacien can play a number of defensive positions. Photo: PA (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

It’s understood the Blues are among a number of second-tier clubs to have shown serious interest in the Accrington Stanley striker.

The pacey 24-year-old scored 16 goals last season as John Coleman’s men won the League Two title and now enters the final year of his contract.

It’s believed that a fee of around £1.25m has been placed on his head, with the transfer window for permanent deals closing at 5pm next Thursday.

Town are already closing in on the signing of versatile Accrington defender Janoi Donacien, with that deal set to be completed later today once some red-tape issues are resolved.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph about the speculation surrounding him, Jackson said: “Interest from elsewhere is just a part of football.

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“Nothing is guaranteed in football. If you do get the chance (to move up), whether you are a player or a manager, you can’t just let it go by.

“If the chance arises then I would love to have an opportunity but whatever happens I want to make sure I am enjoying my football next season and want to try and do well.”

The EADT and Ipswich Star understands Blues owner Marcus Evans remains 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 Jackson the prime target.

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Jackson arrived at the Wham Stadium as something of an unknown when he made the move from Barnsley last summer and he admits that whatever happens in the coming days he will owe Accrington a huge debt of gratitude.

“This time last year I came in as a trialist and things were a little bit uncertain as to whether I was going back to Barnsley with the Under-23s or coming here,” said the former Swindon, Tamworth and Wrexham man.

“Thankfully I took my chance pretty well and at the end of it we got a bit of silverware which was a dream come true. I am glad that everything came together and that I signed and I am looking forward to the future now.”

He added: “The club gave me an opportunity and thankfully I took it, I don’t think I could have worked any harder for the team or myself.

“Last season is easily the best season I have had so far, it could be the best season I will ever have in football.

“I will always be thankful for the opportunity I got. However long I am here, if I am here for a year, a week or 10 years, then I will always give my all to the club because they helped me become the player I have become today.”