IPSWICH Town have rekindled their interest in Portsmouth striker David Nugent.

Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town have rekindled their interest in Portsmouth striker David Nugent.

Although a deal is still a long way off, it appears Pompey are looking to offload the 23-year-old who barely appeared for them last season, although did go on as a substitute in the FA Cup final.

With four other main strikers on his books, manager Harry Redknapp would be willing to take a cut-price offer for Nugent.

It could even be that Pompey will try and use Nugent as bait to lure Danny Haynes to Fratton Park.

Nugent did not travel to Nigeria for their pre-season game with Manchester United as he was suffering a groin injury, which is not thought to be too serious.

But while the Blues and Pompey may be willing to do business, convincing the striker to drop down back into the Championship may still be an issue.

The former Preston star was heavily linked with newly-promoted Hull City during this close season but that move has fallen through.

With wages of around £20,000-a-week serious negotiations will need to take place with the player and his agent John Seasman.

Nugent netted the winner that took Pompey past Ipswich in the FA Cup but his Premiership appearances have been few and far between.

Nugent angered Town boss Jim Magilton by failing to respond to an offer to join on loan earlier this year.

That is all water under the harbour bridge now as Magilton continues to strengthen his squad.

Although he has captured Kevin Lisbie, who has two goals in two pre-season games already, Magilton wants another experienced forward.

The move for Angelos Charisteas looks to be getting nowhere and could be as dead as the move for Rudi Skácel.

Town are also interested in Celtic defender Bobo Balde with Magilton saying: “Celtic have made Balde available and we are interested in sitting down with the player and his representatives for a chat.”

Talks with former Charlton defender Ben Thatcher are ongoing and it is understands a deal is close to being completed.

One striker Town were interested in, Crewe's Nicky Maynard, could join Championship rivals Bristol City after they terminated talks with Coventry City's Michael Mifsud after Gary Johnson describing him and his agent as 'disrespectful'.