Gareth McAuley still figures on Ipswich Town's summer wish-list - but the Blues may have to fork out £1.75 million.

Town boss Jim Magilton has confirmed he still wants to sign the Leicester City defender, having had three bids turned down during the transfer window in January.

McAuley is highly likely to leave the Walkers Stadium this summer - despite being under contract until February 2011 - following the Foxes' relegation to Coca-Cola League One.

And with money to burn and Town on the look-out for a new defender, following Jason De Vos' retirement, there is a strong chance the Northern Ireland international could be lured to Portman Road.

"The players I'm looking to sign have not deviated from my targets in January and we have to construct a new spine to our side, from goalkeeper through central defence to striker," said Magilton.

"I've known Gareth for a very long time and I thought he was excellent here last year and he has played very well in games I've seen him play for Northern Ireland."

A tabloid report claims Leicester want £1.75 for their player and Town could also face competition for his signature from QPR.

Magilton is bracing himself for a busy summer in the transfer market and is thought to want new players in a variety of positions.

At the same time, a number of existing squad members could leave.

Gary Roberts, Billy Clarke, Gavin Williams, Dan Harding and Matt Richards were all made available at the end of the season but the club are yet to receive any serious interest.

Meanwhile, Ipswich are set to unveil their new international scout within the next week.

A number of candidates have been interviewed as they look to add to their scouting staff.

Chief executive Derek Bowden said: "We hope to have someone in place within the next week.

"Interviews have taken place and are taking place with a number of candidates and we are closing in on a decision being made."

Various names have been linked with the position, including former Town hero David Geddis, ex-scouts Simon Hunt and Romeo Zondervan and Borussia Monchengladbach chief scout Luuk Balkestein.