Derby County reportedly set to beat Middlesbrough to Waghorn signature

Kayden Jackson started for Accrington Stanley yesterday. Photo: PA (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The Blues kick-started their season with a 2-2 home draw against Blackburn Rovers yesterday and, speaking after the game, manager Paul Hurst revealed that the on-running Waghorn transfer saga was close to a conclusion.

Derby, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough had all been vying for the 28-year-old’s signature. Sky Sports reported Boro had an offer accepted this morning, but various national reports now suggest Derby have matched that bid and Wahorn has said the Rams are his preferred destination.

The Sheffield Star also reports that United could ‘restructure’ their previously rejected offer of £5m.

Town signed Waghorn from Rangers for just £250k a year ago. It’s understood they had been holding out for £8m for last season’s 16-goal top-scorer, but Hurst hinted yesterday that the club has accepted less than their valuation.

It’s understood that Waghorn did not make a formal transfer request but made it clear he was keen on the move. Hurst has said on more than one occasion that people don’t understand ‘all the intricacies around people’s situations’.

The Blues boss has been told by owner Marcus Evans that he needs to sell in order to buy.

COMMENT: Stu says: Five observations after Ipswich Town start season with 2-2 home draw against Blackburn RoversThe sale of Adam Webster to Bristol City for £3.5m has helped fund deals for Gwion Edwards (Peterborough, £700k), Ellis Harrision (Bristol Rovers, £750k), Janoi Donacien (Accrington, £750k), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea, loan) and Jordan Roberts (Crawley, free).

Waghorn’s departure, plus the potential sale of Joe Garner to Bolton or Millwall, will now help pave the way for Hurst to further stamp his mark on the squad with at least three or four more additions wanted before Thursday’s 5pm deadline for permanent deals.

RATINGS: How Andy warren rated the Ipswich players in their opening-day draw with Blackburn RoversIt’s understood that the Blues have not given up hope of signing 24-year-old speedy striker Kayden Jackson from Accrington Stanley.

Outspoken Stanley chairman Andy Holt has said the club will not climb down on their valuation of a player who scored 16 goals for the League Two champions last season – understood to be £2.5m.

MORE: McCarthy covered Ipswich’s draw with Blackburn for Sky Sports... and was purring over Gwion EdwardsJackson played 82 minutes yesterday as Accrington started life in League One with a 2-0 home defeat to Gillingham, with Hurst expressing his disappointment that one of his targets had played.

We understand there has been progress in those talks.

REACTION: ‘Far from a great performance but a fair result’ - Hurst on Town’s work in progressTown are closing in on the addition of centre-back Toto Nsiala and attacking midfielder Jon Nolan from Hurst’s former club Shrewsbury Town.

Shrews chief exec Brian Caldwell revealed last night that Ipswich had met his valuation of the players – the combined deal is understood to be in the region of £1.8m with the potential to surpass £2m – and a deal would be completed in the next 48 hours.

The Blues also remain locked in negotiations with Blackpool for centre-back Curtis Tilt. The League One club want in the region of £1m for a player who enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Football League.

OPINION: Two stalwarts lead the way in Town’s new era... they need to fight harder than ever to stay thereA loan bid has been submitted for Cardiff City striker Omar Bogle too, though it remains to be seen if Town would want him as well as Jackson. That could depend on whether Garner follows Waghorn out the exit door.