IPSWICH and Crystal Palace are both weighing up their next move after having initial bids for Middlesbrough loanee Ben Doak rejected by Liverpool last week.

Both clubs are said to remain interested in the winger, despite failing in their first attempts to sign the teenager, but they've also identified alternative targets.

Discussions are said to be taking place at Ipswich as the Tractor Boys decide whether to make an improved offer for Doak.

Ipswich are also keen on signing Jaden Philogene, who they thought they'd landed in the summer only for Aston Villa to exercise their option to re-sign the winger. Philogene has barely featured for Villa in the first half of the season and boss Unai Emery confirmed a loan move was likely this month, which alerted the Tractor Boys.

However, Everton have now reportedly made a move to sign the winger on a permanent deal with negotiations said to be ongoing.

It's not clear at this stage whether that will prompt Ipswich into making a permanent move for Philogene and whether there'd be any knock-on effect on their interest in Doak.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Dan Barlaser on Middlesbrough transfer importance amid interest in 'best players'

• Sammy Silvera Middlesbrough latest as Portsmouth transfer 'catch-up' planned

• Middlesbrough disappointment sparks Carrick tone change & frank Riverside admission

As for Crystal Palace, some reports have suggested the Eagles are readying an improved bid for Doak after their opening £15m offer was knocked back. But it's thought they'd have to double that initial bid if they're to tempt Liverpool into selling the former Celtic youngster, who is valued at £30m by Anfield chiefs.

Palace also have other attacking targets in mind and are said to have made contact with Millwall over in-demand Romain Esse.

Palace's interest in the winger has been known for a while, with director of football Dougie Freedman having watched the teenager in action on several occasions this season.

Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Bournemouth are also said to have been monitoring Esse's situation. And Millwall would be powerless to prevent the 19-year-old moving on if Palace or any of the other interested clubs activate his eight-figure release clause, which was included in a new long-term deal he signed earlier this season.

Boro are closely monitoring the Doak situation and are in close contact with Liverpool, who are delighted with the way the Scotland international's loan spell at the Riverside is playing out.

While Boro are desperate to keep Doak for the entirety of the season, they do have plans in place should they have to react this month.