Blues admit defeat in bid to sign Tilt from Blackpool... but Hurst still wants a defender
Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt has been a target of Ipswich Town. Picture: Blackpool Gazette - Credit: Archant
Ipswich Town are ready to admit defeat in their bid to sign defender Curtis Tilt from Blackpool.
Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt is trying to force through a move to Ipswich Town. Picture: Blackpool Gazette - Credit: CameraSport - Ashley Crowden
Blues manager Paul Hurst identified the 26-year-old as one of his top transfer targets after taking over at Portman Road this summer, with the two clubs in dialogue throughout much of the off-season.
The defender, originally valued by his club at £1million, remains keen on the move Portman Road and handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through a deal, but the Blues have found negotiations with Blackpool tough.
Two bids were rejected, up to a value of £650,000, and while it at one stage looked as if an agreement was close, no compromise was found.
Ultimately, owner Owen Oyston was adament Tilt would not be sold.
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Former Blackpool manager Gary Bowyer has praised the defender’s attitude during the process but, despite admiring his ability, is though to have been keen for a sale to go through in order to fund new players and help in the Tangerines’ search for a new training ground.
Bowyer resigned earlier this week following showdown talks with Blackpool owner Oyston.
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Hurst is still known to want at least one more defender ahead of tomorrow’s 5pm deadline and, while a last-minute return for Tilt should not be discounted, there is a real sense the Blues’ pursuit has come to an end.
The Blues have been linked with a loan move for Declan John of Rangers, who has slipped down the pecking order at Ibrox, but a move for the left-back is only likely to be considered should Dane Jonas Knudsen move on.
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Knudsen started at left-back in Paul Hurst’s first game in charge of the Blues, a 2-2 draw at home to Blackburn, but has himself been subject of transfer interest.
Stoke City have been tracking the Dane this summer, while Middlesbrough and Aston Villa are both thought to see Knudsen as a potential alternative to Bristol City’s Joe Bryan.
Villa look set to win that race, with Steve Bruce’s men expected to announce the signing of Bryan later today.
