Tipton signing looking less likely for United

Times Sport understands that a deal was already in place to bring the Blues striker on loan until January.

The only potential stumbling block was if either the player or Linfield manager David Jeffrey decide against the move.

Tipton said during a media interview during the week that he intended to stay and fight for his place, while Linfield currently have a number of injury concerns over strikers.

“It’s no secret we’re trying to get Tipton in,” said Ferguson.

“We’ve a fair idea what it’s going to cost the club financially and the club seems to be happy enough with that so it’s a case of him wanting to leave and David wanting to let him go.

“He would give us something different in terms of our strikers.

“We also have a centre-half coming for us to have a look at during the week so we’ll see how that goes,” added Ferguson, whose side will attempt to record a third successive Danske Bank Premiership victory when they face Ards at Dixon Park this Friday night (7.45pm).

“We’re in the middle of a run of four games in about eight or nine days so we’re going to have to use the squad wisely. Hopefully we don’t pick up any more injuries or suspensions.”

Ferguson is likely to restore a number of his senior players to the starting line-up for the Ards game, having watched his first team fringe players and youngsters struggle to overcome Ballymoney United in the League Cup during the week.

Winger David Cushley looks set to be sidelined for around five weeks with medial knee ligament damage after coming off injured in the previous weekend’s victory over Crusaders.

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport for Friday’s match leaves Henry Street car park at 6.45pm.