DEAN Windass has rejected the chance to join Ipswich Town on loan.

Derek Davis

DEAN Windass has rejected the chance to join Ipswich Town on loan.

The Hull City striker has been told he can go out by manager Phil Brown and the Blues are among a raft of clubs keen on the 39-year-old striker.

Blackpool, Oldham, Hartlepool and Doncaster Rovers are also understood to be keen on taking the veteran finisher.

Windass is understood to have been flattered by the Ipswich interest but is not keen on moving too far away from his family who are based in east-Yorkshire.

It is understood Town made their move after hearing of his availability and saw it as a short-term option. Windass has netted 24 goals in 66 games in his second spell at the club.

Although he has rarely appeared in the Premier League this season, Windass has been credited with one goal in the campaign after the dubious goals committee awarded him the strike against Portsmouth, that had gone in off Noe Pamarot, to earn City a 2-2- draw.

Tigers team-mate and former Blues defender Wayne Brown, who helped Hull to Premiership promotion and played in the play-off final at Wembley last May, is also being allowed out on loan with Charlton the favourites to land the ex-Colchester United star.

A move for Leroy Lita looks out of the question for Town despite rumours among Town fans.

The Reading striker, who has returned to the Madejski Stadium following a successful loan spell at Norwich, is available but with Premier League sides Newcastle United, Everton and West Brom sniffing around it is unlikely he will head to Portman Road.

Blues boss Jim Magilton said last month that although he admired the striker he would not be making a January move for him.

While a left-sided midfielder, defender and forward are on the wanted list, Town are looking to clear their decks this month.

Kurt Robinson has joined Rushden & Diamonds on a month's loan. Garry Hill snapped up the former young England defender after his return from Northampton.

Robinson is one of the 14 players out of contract in the summer and is looking to be fixed up with a permanent deal somewhere.

Wycombe Wanderers have confirmed the signing of Northern Ireland Under-21 international defender Chris Casement, also on a month's loan.

The other players most likely to go back out include Dan Harding, Matt Richards and Billy Clarke. Tommy Miller, Alex Bruce and Richard Naylor are also able to now speak to potential new employees.

Miller has been struggling with a dead leg ever since limping out early in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Chesterfield but hopes to be involved against Sheffield Wednesday.

David Wright is out with a hamstring problem as Town look to record their first run of three consecutive wins under Magilton in 21 months.

Tomorrow's game at Portman Road was considered a doubt earlier in the week due to the heavy frost but the inflatable pitch protection has been in operation and the club are confident it will go ahead.