Boss Jim Magilton says that contract talks are continuing with striker Alan Lee. Last week, chairman David Sheepshanks revealed that the Republic of Ireland international, who is a Hull City target, had turned down the Blues' initial offer.

Magilton told the club site: "Alan was our top goalscorer with 17 last season and is an important part of the squad.

"He has worked hard during the summer and looks sharp. He is certainly very much in my plans for the new season.

"We are obviously aware that he is in the last year of his contract. The club has been in discussions with him about a new deal and those discussions are ongoing.

"We have not received any more bids for the player and I'm delighted about that, because it means he will be an Ipswich Town player at the start of the season."

Reports in Hull earlier in the week claimed that talks between Town and the Tigers were continuing, with the Blues having reduced their valuation of the striker. Hull boss Phil Brown, who had bids of £400,000 and £600,000 for Lee turned down a fortnight ago, appeared to confirm this with subsequent comments made in the East Yorkshire press.

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