PRESTON KNOCK IPSWICH BID FOR HUGILL

PRESTON boss Simon Grayson has assured fans that Jordan Hugill won’t be leaving the club after the Lilywhites rejected a reported £1.5million bid from Ipswich Town.

Despite netting just six times prior to yesterday’s visit of Brighton, the 24year-old striker has impressed with his performances – convincing the Tractor Boys he is the man to lead their line.

But Grayson says Preston have no need to sell and, as they look to mount a play-off push in the coming weeks, Hugill won’t be going anywhere.

“Ipswich asked the question and that was refuted very quickly,” said Grayson. “We don’t want to lose any of our players.

“We have had inquiries for some of our other players, which shows you the team is doing well. People will always look at your good players in the structure of your team.

“But we are not a selling club. We have sold Bailey Wright and Joe Garner this season, but that was more down to the players wanting to leave.

“We don’t want to sell Jordan because he is a good player and has a bright future. He is still raw but has loads of enthusiasm, which is a massive part of his game.”

With Hugill set to remain at Deepdale for the foreseeable future, Grayson admits the speculation has already become fodder for some training ground mockery of the former Port Vale man.

“There was a bit of banter of the training ground when he mis-controlled one,” explained the manager.

“I told him never mind £1m, we wouldn’t even get £20,000 for him!

“Every club in Europe is vulnerable while the transfer window is open. Every player has his price.

“However, we are very much in the mould where we don’t have to sell players unless we think it is the right thing to do.”