IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton has confirmed that he was interested in signing Kyle Lafferty, the 20-year-old Burnley striker who looks set to move to Glasgow Rangers.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton has confirmed that he was interested in signing Kyle Lafferty, the 20-year-old Burnley striker who looks set to move to Glasgow Rangers.

“I have seen him progress from a boy to a man,” said Magilton. “And he has done well at international level, which shows he could do it at Premier League level as well.

“But he has nailed his colours to the Rangers mast and he now sees himself as a Rangers player.”

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby has confirmed Ipswich bid for Lafferty, whose Rangers deal sees the Clarets receive £3 million plus possibly midfielder Alan Gow.

Having signed two defenders in the past week - Gareth McAuley and Pim Balkestein - Blues boss Magilton is still seeking further additions to his squad.

“There could be another signing this week,” said Magilton. “Alex Bruce has stepped up to the plate since his arrival and we have other central defenders Richard Naylor and Tommy Smith.

“But I am still looking to bring in back four players, look at strengthening the midfield and sign a striker.

“We are gearing ourselves for the Premier League and I am only interested in players who can make an impression in the coming season.”

Magilton is still considering who to appoint as his new goalkeeping coach while he has had no interest for any of the five players he made available for transfer - Gary Roberts, Gavin Williams, Billy Clarke, Dan Harding and Matt Richards.

“Clubs will be back from the close season in the next fortnight and things might start happening then,” added Magilton.

“I hope there will be some interest.

“These lads want to play first team football which is natural, and there is no guarantee of that at Portman Road for them.

“But if they stay with us they will still be an integral part of my squad and they will have a chance to show me what they can do.”