IPSWICH Town are still in pole position to sign David Nugent, despite interest from other Championship clubs.Stoke City are known to have approached Portsmouth this week about taking the former Preston striker but have been put off by the high price, while Crystal Palace are understood to be watching the situation closely.

Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town are still in pole position to sign David Nugent, despite interest from other Championship clubs.

Stoke City are known to have approached Portsmouth this week about taking the former Preston striker but have been put off by the high price, while Crystal Palace are understood to be watching the situation closely.

Blues boss Jim Magilton confirmed he is still waiting to hear from Nugent and that he was aware of at least one other club taking a keen interest in the one-time England striker.

He said: “We are still waiting, hopefully we will hear this week.”

City boss Tony Pulis made an enquiry about Nugent last week but baulked when he was told the price, although after two straight defeats including a 3-0 loss at QPR yesterday, he may reconsider.

The Potters are second in the table and are backed by the Coates family who have made a new fortune from an internet gambling company.

The Blues have agreed to pay a loan fee and Nugent's wages along with a substantial bonus if they win promotion.

They are also understood to have agreed a deal in principle to make the move permanent if he does well.

The Pompey striker has been stalling over making a loan switch to Portman Road with a view to a permanent deal and there are concerns that he is using a groin injury as an excuse not to leave Fratton Park just yet.

Now other clubs are aware that Town and Pompey have agreed terms they have made efforts to lure him elsewhere although Wolves are also being linked with him.

While Stoke are understood to be heading the list although unsubstantiated rumours swept message boards over the weekend that Nugent was at Layer Road but these have subsequently proved to be untrue.

If the Nugent deal falls through there is a good chance that Ipswich will try and land Fulham striker David Healy, who Magilton has been a long-time admirer.