Ipswich Town have reportedly had a seven-figure bid turned down for Preston North End striker Jordan Hugill.

According to transfer website HITC and corroborated by the Lancashire Evening Post, the Blues offered around £1.5 million for the 24-year-old.

Preston are said to be keen to hold on to the Middlesbrough-born front man, who they bought from Port Vale in June 2014 for £25,000 youth compensation, but may be tempted by a higher offer.z

Prior to his spell with the Valiants in League One, 6ft tall Hugill played in non-league with Seaham Red Star, Consett, Whitby Town and Marske United. He’s also had loan spells in the Conference (Gateshead) and League Two (Tranmere and Hartlepool).

A hard-working, strong striker who chases lost causes and presses from the front, Hugill has scored 13 goals in 28 starts and 37 sub appearances for the Lilywhites, including six so far this season.

His contract at Deepdale doesn’t expire until 2018.

Blues boss Mick McCarthy has made no secret of the fact that he wants to add some fresh faces to his thin-on-the-ground squad during the January transfer window. There are now just 20 days to do business.

It’s strikers that are needed most following Daryl Murphy’s departure to Newcastle last August and Luke Varney’s short-term deal expiring recently.

There’s money to spend – around £1.5m leftover from the Murphy deal – and plenty of enquiries are being made.

McCarthy has said there are a ‘litany of reasons’ why so many approaches have been rebuffed thus far.

Meanwhile, Town have confirmed that striker David McGoldrick’s hamstring injury should only keep him out of action for a couple of weeks. The Republic of Ireland international suffered the problem in training last Friday and missed the FA Cup draw with Lincoln City.

Luke Chambers and Cole Skuse should return to action for Saturday’s Championship visit of Blackburn following knee problems, but Myles Kenlock (claf) remains a doubt.