Ipswich end pursuit of Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt

Ipswich Town have ended their pursuit of wantaway Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt.
Tilt is looking to force through a moveTilt is looking to force through a move
Tilt is looking to force through a move
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Blackpool boss explains Tilt's omission

The Championship side have been in talks with the Seasiders over a potential deal for much of the summer, but have been left frustrated by the lack of recent progress.

With the deadline for permanent transfers at 5pm tomorrow, Ipswich have admitted defeat and have turned their attention elsewhere.

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Tilt, who was left out of Blackpool’s squad for their season opener at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, has previously handed in a transfer request to force through a move.

Ipswich have already seen two bids rejected for the centre back, with the last offer believed to be in the region of £650,000.

However, Blackpool value him closer to the £1m mark and, in a bizarre twist, it appears Owen Oyston is the one who is stopping Tilt from leaving the club.

While a last minute offer tomorrow cannot be discounted, it appears the Tractor Boys are now focusing on other targets.

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It is understood former Pool boss Gary Bowyer, who resigned on Monday, was prepared to sell Tilt as a way of financing other deals but Oyston is adamant he wasn't going anywhere.

Tilt and his agent met with Oyston last night but it appears no progress was made.

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.

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.

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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 this summer.