IPSWICH Town have made an improved offer for Blackburn striker Francis Jeffers.It would also appear their chances of signing him have increased with Derby County boss Billy Davies insisting he was not interested in securing the former Arsenal and Everton goal-getter now they are in the Premiership.

By Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town have made an improved offer for Blackburn striker Francis Jeffers.

It would also appear their chances of signing him have increased with Derby County boss Billy Davies insisting he was not interested in securing the former Arsenal and Everton goal-getter now they are in the Premiership.

Blues chairman David Sheepshanks last night said: “We are still very keen to sign Francis Jeffers and we have made a second offer to Blackburn Rovers. We are now awaiting their response.”

While the size of the second offer is undisclosed, it is understood the Blues weighed in with a bid of around £350,000 the first time and were told Blackburn were seeking around £1million for the 26-year-old.

Jeffers' form and four goals in nine appearances while on loan at Ipswich Town, interrupted by a hamstring tear, alerted a number of other clubs to his new lease of life.

He netted against Derby and played well but Rams boss Davies has denied Jeffers is player he is looking to add to his Premiership squad. Davies said: “It's nonsense - we are not after him.”

Sheepshanks also dismissed reports that Coventry City were looking to sign Blues striker Alan Lee for £400,000 and said: “We have not heard from Coventry City. We have not had any offers for Alan, or any of our players from any clubs. Jim has no intentions of selling Alan and all rumours about the two not getting on are absolute rubbish.”

The Sky Blues have made a move to sign Cambridge United striker Robbie Simpson, who Ipswich have been tracking, but no fee has yet been agreed.