IPSWICH striker Sam Parkin was today preparing to say his farewells.The 25-year-old and his agent were involved in transfer negotiations with Luton and Preston after both clubs had offers accepted.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH striker Sam Parkin was today preparing to say his farewells.

The 25-year-old and his agent were involved in transfer negotiations with Luton and Preston after both clubs had offers accepted.

There is also a chance that Coventry, who were first to make a move for the ex-Swindon star, will renew their interest.

Having sold Gary McSheffrey to neighbours Birmingham for £4 million the Sky Blues are now in a position to meet Town's asking price.

Coventry boss Micky Adams initially offered £150,000 for the player who cost Ipswich £500,000 when they signed him just over a year ago.

That bid was rejected and Adams responded by announcing that the deal was dead, although yesterday's sale of McSheffrey could change all that.

The tug of war for Parkin's services looks like being resolved in the next 24 hours, meaning he is highly unlikely to feature in the Town squad for Saturday's home clash with Hull.

Parkin said: “I can't really say a great deal. I am with my agent and we are ready to talk to any clubs that agree a fee with Ipswich.

“Beyond that I don't want to say anything else. The situation might become a lot clearer later in the day.”

Town also rejected bids from Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday and QPR, both of whom only expressed an interest in signing Parkin on loan.

While Parkin's eventual destination may still be unknown, it seems his disappointing stay at Portman Road is almost certainly coming to an end.

A fee of £250,000 has been mentioned as a down payment, but Preston chairman Derek Shaw was quick to claim: “The figures being suggested are incorrect.

“Sam Parkin is a player who we have made an offer for but I wouldn't like to comment on the figures.

“He is someone we are interested in but he is only one of a number of people we have chased.”

The money Ipswich receive up front, likely to be in the region of £300,000, will help Magilton to chase other transfer targets, with Palace striker Jon Macken at the top of his wanted list.

Meanwhile, Magilton's search for a defender continues, with Bulgarian full-back Ivaylo Petkov the latest in a long line of trialists to come under the microscope.

Petkov, 30, was recently on trial with Celtic and used to play for Fenerbahce. He was playing for Turkish club, Ankaragucu, last season and released this summer.

It would be a major surprise if Ipswich offered Petkov a deal since he operates as a left-back and they only recently strengthened that area by bringing in Dan Harding from Leeds.

Magilton had hoped to sign Manchester United central defender Paul McShane, but his plans were scuppered when the 21-year-old moved to West Bromwich Albion.

Another Old Trafford youngster, Johnny Evans, was also a target but he is heading for a season-long loan at Royal Antwerp as part of the United's on-going relationship with the Belgian outfit.