Rangers unlikely to make a move for Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt

Reports in Scotland suggest Rangers are unlikely to make a move for in-demand Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt.
Tilt is a man in demand after enjoying a fine season with BlackpoolTilt is a man in demand after enjoying a fine season with Blackpool
Tilt is a man in demand after enjoying a fine season with Blackpool
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Curtis Tilt is the calibre of player Ipswich are after, says Paul Hurst

It was claimed earlier this week that Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard was keen to sign the centre back, even sending scouts to watch him in action during Pool's 2-0 behind-closed-doors friendly win against Burnley on Tuesday.

But, while the 26-year-old is on a list of potential new recruits at the Glasgow club, it is believed he is well down on Gerrard's wishlist.

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Any chance of Rangers making a move for the centre back is considered unlikely while other targets remain on the table.

Millwall’s Jake Cooper is Gerrard’s number one choice but Rangers have seen three bids knocked back, the most recent worth £3m.

New Den boss Neil Harris insists Cooper is not for sale.

Rangers have yet to decide whether to return with a fourth offer but Gerrard is determined to add to his defensive options before the season starts.

Tilt is a man in demand having already been linked with Championship trio Ipswich Town, QPR and Reading.

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It was reported earlier this month that Ipswich had lodged a £550,000 bid for the former Wrexham man, but it is understood that offer was knocked back.

Speaking to The Gazette last month, Pool boss Gary Bowyer said it would take at least £1m to prise the defender away from Bloomfield Road, suggesting any club thinking they can get a bargain deal for Tilt “has another thing coming”.

Ipswich boss Paul Hurst is a keen admirer of Tilt, having looked to sign him during his time at Shrewsbury Town.

It comes after a fine debut season for the centre-back, who made a seamless transition from non-league after signing from National League side Wrexham summer.

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Last season was his first experience of the Football League but the Walsall-born Tilt impressed and ended up winning three gongs at the club’s end-of-season awards night, including The Gazette’s player of the season.

Tilt put in a string of man of the match displays and was a virtual ever-present for Pool last season, missing only two League One games through suspension and finishing the campaign with 45 appearances to his name.

He built up an impressive central defensive partnership with Clark Robertson, who joined Championship side Rotherham United on a free transfer at the end of last month.