Manager Mick McCarthy he’s “not in the least bit worried’ about the prospect of the Blues receiving offers for his players in the January transfer window with owner Marcus Evans having made his intentions clear by turning down bids for Tyrone Mings and David McGoldrick in the summer.

Crystal Palace offered £3.5 million for left-back Mings, who is now interesting Arsenal amongst plenty of others, while Leicester had a bid of £7 million turned down for striker McGoldrick.

“I’m not in the least bit worried,” McCarthy insisted. “I’m not bothered. What can I do that can affect it? I’ve got an owner that’ll back me because we turned down money for two of the players in the first window.

“I’ve no doubt that he’s going to do it again. Marcus has been here for seven years and for all the money that was spent previously, this is the first chance he’s had of seeing promotion, the P-word, but we have because we’re second at the moment.

“Whatever happens over the next 24 games that we’ve got, who knows? But he’s not going to let that go. He wouldn’t do it in the summer.

“And they’re all under contracts. So that’s where I get my support from, when we keep the team together.”

He added: “I’m not steeling myself [for offers] or worried at all, and I think you’ll find that the players who are here, even if somebody comes and offers zillions for them and wants to give them five or 10 times what they’re on now and really unsettles them, I think they’re quite happy playing here and want to try and get Ipswich promoted.”

In terms of January additions, he says he'll be very careful about who he brings in: “It’s getting somebody who will fit in to what I think is required, fit in with the lads, who are a particularly good set of lads and all work hard, so there are a certain set of rules and regs and criteria they’d have to meet.

“Then, can they improve what we’ve got? If they can’t, then there’s no point really in taking them. That’s subjective as well. You think they might do but they might not. We’ll be looking, of course.”

He says it’s important not to damage the spirit within the squad when making signings: “I think you upset it if you go and buy somebody and give them stupid money or you get somebody in and leave somebody out who has been doing great for you and who has been part of the team and then they don’t do well.

“We keep talking about experience, I hope I’ve got enough not to do that. We’ll soon find out, won’t we?”

Photo: Action Images

depressed added 07:29 - Dec 23 There you go folks...That is why you shouldn't believe all the gossip and speculation that's printed in the papers and to a degree on this website. Think about it, ITFC have a real chance of promotion this season...Do you really think M E would weaken this team by selling his best players. PS.....Merry Christmas To You All !
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WorcesterBlue added 07:38 - Dec 23 Do think Mings will go (though possibly be leaned back) and if gives us a little money to bring in some star quality - and I don't mean Williams - then so be it. Not sure I can see much out there though.
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WorcesterBlue added 07:39 - Dec 23 Nothing wrong with Williams but the stats when he's played vs when he hasn't don't make a compelling case imo
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jas0999 added 08:18 - Dec 23 I still think we could do with an attack minded, goal scoring midfield player and a back up striker. Murphy and McGoldrick are great, but Sammon and Bajner are not the best back ups. We gave N Hunt, but he is more a winger.
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BlueandTruesince82 added 08:44 - Dec 23 Agree Jas, a poacher as an added option. A Jordan. Rhodes (damn it Roy), fox in the box we have skill, power and physicality and Murphs goal at the weekend showed he's added that poachers instinct to a certain extend but we need a goal steeler to add to the versatility up front. Don't think anyone is going anywhere mind.
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bluemikey100 added 09:02 - Dec 23 like us spend big on a striker wot happens if murphys goals dry up or injury
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blueblood66 added 09:09 - Dec 23 No point selling anybody in January, IF we dont go up then they will be back in for the same players in the summer, if they really want them. Onwards and upwards
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SouperJim added 09:34 - Dec 23 If anyone is sold it will be Mings, his head appeared to be turned quite a bit by the Palace bid last time, although it has only served to motivate him so far (for which MM has to take a lot of credit). He is far too good for this division and we won't be able to hang on to him long term, Mick knows this and will ensure we get the biggest fee for him we possibly can. If the right bid comes in I think we may sell, as if we turn it down we could very well lose the player anyway, as Mick puts it. That's life, so long as we reinvest the money wisely, onwards and upwards. Parr is a very adequate left back, Chambers has improved no end at right back, but we would need more depth in this area. I don't think we'll hand out big wages to anybody, but sitting in the top 2 with phenomenal team spirit makes us a very attractive club to sign for and we would of course have money to put down on fees.

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oldelsworthyfan added 10:07 - Dec 23 It's a clear message from MM. We aren't going to flog off our best players! Nor will he be spending silly money and silly wages to 'strengthen' the squad. What we have at ITFC for the first time in years is team spirit; players playing for the team and not themselves; players giving 110% every game; players knowing what they are supposed to be doing and playing to a plan. If MM brings anyone in it won't be a 'prima donna'. PS We seem to have a decent goalkeeper (at last) who knows what he's doing - and makes great saves. Must add to the confidence of our back four.

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afrodids added 10:52 - Dec 23 I still think we need back up up top in case of injury to our front 2 as sammon and bajner don't really cut the mustard.
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airliner added 11:25 - Dec 23 I was speaking to a friend of tyrone s family last night and he's definetly off to a premier team in January .
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Moisha added 11:27 - Dec 23 It's a shame Kevin Phillips is now retired, he would be the type of player we need.... Older and wiser, who is happy to sit on the bench and come on for the last 30mins or so to nick a goal.
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Lowestoft_Blue added 12:25 - Dec 23 I wouldn't mind if mings went, aslong as we get cover. Parr is the complete package IMO
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Lombokblue added 12:46 - Dec 23 Wiki says that Murphy's contract ends in the summer. If someone like Cardiff, Fulham came in with a £5m offer it would be hard for Evans to turn down.
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JoeDickerson420 added 13:46 - Dec 23 Am friends with Tyrones mate from his old private school (Deo) and still chat reguly. i asked him to get any information he could and he told me straight. It is ALL OUT OF HIS HANDS? it will all come down to ME when an offer comes in. No Ballsh*t neither
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