A central defender and a left winger remain high on Paul Hurst’s Ipswich Town shopping list with less than a week remaining before transfer deadline day.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Manager Paul Hurst watching the warm-up at Hillsborough Picture PagepixIpswich Manager Paul Hurst watching the warm-up at Hillsborough Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Hurst has previously stated he would like to complete three loan deals before next Friday’s deadline, with a striker also being targeted by the new Blues boss.

A move for Curtis Tilt remains alive, with the Blackpool defender left out of his side’s 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley earlier today, while Hurst admitted a winger capable of playing on the left flank is another he would like to bring in.

Ellis Harrison played that role in the 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, with Grant Ward, Tayo Edun and Freddie Sears also lining up there this season, but Hurst would like a specialist.

MORE: Town still pursuing Tilt with Blackpool now willing to sanction move... as Hurst targets up to three signings

“I think it’s an area we do need try and bring someone in at, although I do think Ellis did quite well there at times,” he said.

“He gave us a different option and a different threat. The though was if we wanted to change we could do it without making a substitution and going with a straight two up top.

“He’s had a good effort well-saved by the keeper and caused a different sort of problem for us

“An actual winger, as such, is one where I would prefer another option certainly.”

Hurst identified Tilt as a central defensive target during the early days of his Ipswich reign, with the Blues understood to be nearing Blackpool’s £1million valuation and the Tangerines now willing to sanction a loan move which will become permanent in January.

MORE: Stu says: Five observations following Ipswich Town’s 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday

Tilt was at Bloomfield Road today but did not play, with caretaker Terry McPhillips revealing the defender had been left out because he was ‘feeling tight’.

“I’m surprised he hasn’t played, I must say, after he played the last few and kept clean sheets so unless there’s an injury I’m not aware of it seems an odd decision,” Blues boss Hurst said.

“I’m not going to change my mind and think he’s suddenly a bad player or anything, and there’s no secret (we’re interested). I don’t like speaking about other players but it’s out there and it’s been discussed numerous times already.”

Toto Nsiala will now miss next Sunday’s clash with rivals Norwich unless his Hillsborough dismissal is rescinded, with Hurst insisting he wants specialist cover throughout his side to deal with such scenarios, rather than relying on players filling in in unfamiliar positions.

MORE: Player ratings: The hits and misses of Ipswich Town’s 2-1 defeat at Hillsborough

“Whatever happens I’m guessing it’s one game (Nsiala’s suspension). “It could be three, I suppose, depending on what they think.

“These are the scenarios that will occur over the season, whether you like them or not. We need more cover than what we’ve got – and specialists, not someone filling in there.

“Yes, every now again a team has to do that, but you want to start with people who play that position.”