Gareth McAuley could be on his way to Portman Road

Magilton made the offer for the Northern Ireland players earlier this week as he looks to bolster his squad.

He hinted that he could make a new move for the 28-year-old, who joined the Foxes after a spell with Lincoln City.

"We felt it was a very good bid and we will now think about our next move over the weekend," said Magilton.

"I have seen him play a few times for Northern Ireland and he was excellent in the middle at our place last year," the Town manager told the club website.

"It is a case of staying patient. It is almost like buying a house with a chain of events having to take place before clubs are letting players go but we have other options as well."

McAuley, who has played eight times for Northern Ireland, is in his second season with Leicester.

He had spells with Coleraine and Crusaders before moving to Lincoln in 2004.