Parkin close to Ipswich exit

Ipswich Town striker Sam Parkin looks set to leave Portman Road after the club accepted bids from Luton Town and Preston North End for the striker.

The former Swindon star is now talking to both clubs and could have his future resolved before Saturday's game with Hull City.

Ipswich have already rejected an approach from Coventry for the powerful striker, who could yet return with an improved offer, but both Mike Newell's Hatters and Paul Simpson's outfit have seen their subsequent bids find favour.

The transfer fee involved is reportedly around the £300,000 mark for a player who moved to Portman Road a year ago, but Parkin himself is remaining coy over his future.

"I can't really say a great deal," stated Parkin.

"I am with my agent and we are ready to talk to any club that agrees 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 [Thursday]."

Ipswich also rejected loan bids from Sheffield Wednesday and QPR for Parkin, but one player who could be leaving Portman Road on a temporary basis is goalkeeper Lewis Price.

The Welsh shot-stopper is currently second choice behind Shane Supple and has warned manager Jim Magilton that he needs to be playing regularly, at Ipswich or elsewhere.

"I want to play in goal for the Ipswich Town first team," said Price.

"I love the club and have no thoughts about moving elsewhere. But it would be in my interest to go out on loan.

"At my age and at the current stage of my development I need to be playing first-team football and it looks as though this will have to be away from Portman Road for the time being."