Boss Jim Magilton has revealed that Manchester United have turned down two loan bids for central defender Jonny Evans. TWTD reported Town's interest in the 18-year-old earlier in the month.

Evans has made a huge impression since coming into Lawrie Sanchez's Northern Ireland team this season, but Magilton had already enquired about the Belfast-born player, however, a move to Belgian club Royal Antwerp had already been agreed.

That spell was originally meant to run for the season but Evans may now return to the UK in January. Even so, Magilton says Manchester United have ruled out a move to Town: "I contacted Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer about getting Jonny Evans on loan and was told that the deal with Antwerp had already been arranged.

"I have been in touch with him again to see if he may be available in January, but we're not getting him.

"Sir Alex rates him highly, he said that Jonny Evans is going to be a top player and, having seen him play against Spain and Latvia and also on the television against Denmark, I don't doubt that for a minute.

"I would have liked to have brought him to Ipswich for four or five months. I think it would have been beneficial for everyone, but it's not to be."

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is also understood to be interested in taking Evans on loan, but United may prefer to keep him at Old Trafford.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls