Paul Hurst would like Martyn Waghorn’s future to be settled sooner rather than later but insisted the Blues will only consider a sale once their valuation has been met.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town manager Paul Hurst smiles as the Ipswich Town Open Day Training Session starts Picture: ROSS HALLSIpswich Town manager Paul Hurst smiles as the Ipswich Town Open Day Training Session starts Picture: ROSS HALLS (Image: Archant)

The striker continues to be linked with a move away from Portman Road, with Sheffield United seeing a bid turned down earlier this summer and both Derby and Middlesbrough still interested.

Hurst is still working to strengthen his squad and, even though selling Waghorn would offer him greater flexibility in the transfer market, the Ipswich boss is firm in the fact last season’s top scorer will not leave until another club meets their valuation.

When asked if he would like to see the situation sorted, Hurst said: “I think the ideal scenario is that, but we have spoken about a valuation and just because I would like it resolved doesn’t mean we go and say ‘oh, we’ll take less money then’. That’s not the best decision for the football club.

MORE: Derby complete signing of former Ipswich striker Marriott... and they still want Waghorn

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town manager Paul Hurst smiles as the Ipswich Town Open Day Training Session starts Picture: ROSS HALLSIpswich Town manager Paul Hurst smiles as the Ipswich Town Open Day Training Session starts Picture: ROSS HALLS (Image: Archant)

“It’s got to be right and I know there will be fans who think we shouldn’t let him go no matter what we’re offering and want him here. I get that, but we have to do what’s right and best for the football club.

“There have been bids, not only from them but also Sheffield United who made a bid,” he added.

“But unless anything’s changed which I haven’t been made aware of, nothing’s been at the values I’ve seen reported and nothing’s at a value where I think it could make us seriously consider it.

“Maybe people will say I shouldn’t be saying this as a manager, but I’m not stupid and every player has his price. But at the same time we’re not there yet so there’s not something to really consider.”

MORE: Hurst watches on as Town XI held to a draw at Chelmsford

Waghorn trained with the Ipswich squad at Portman Road today, with Hurst insisting the striker must continue to be at his best regardless of where his future lies.

“It’s a difficult situation because it’s not ideal for the player, me or the football club, but this is football and we know it happens,” Hurst said.

“At the minute my advice to Martyn is that he’s got to be professional and has got to get on with it and, if anything does happen, what he doesn’t want to do is be sliding backwards in terms of his levels of performance.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town manager Paul Hurst smiles as the Ipswich Town Open Day Training Session starts Picture: ROSS HALLSIpswich Town manager Paul Hurst smiles as the Ipswich Town Open Day Training Session starts Picture: ROSS HALLS (Image: Archant)

“If he stays here he has to be ready to contribute greatly, as we know he can.

“We’ve had more than one conversation but I’m not going to say what Martyn’s said.

MORE: ‘He might look elsewhere, I might not want him’ – Hurst in no rush to start contract talks with Knudsen

“If he chooses to do that then that’s down to him but those conversations will remain private. I just ask people to respect that.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Martyn Waghorn was an unsued substitute in Tuesday night's 1-0 friendly win at MK Dons. Photo: PagepixMartyn Waghorn was an unsued substitute in Tuesday night's 1-0 friendly win at MK Dons. Photo: Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

While Hurst knows his new club are not able to compete with the Championship big hitters financially, the Ipswich boss would like to create an environment where success on the field means players want to stay in Suffolk when other clubs come calling.

“We know the position we are in within the division and unfortunately there are people out there with much bigger cheque books,” he said. “If someone does come in and do well for this football club we are going to be left open to that.

“What I have to try and do is have a little bit more success, if possible, and try to create the best environment we can to try and make it still more appealing to stay here and play football.”