Town boss Joe Royle has admitted that Birmingham keeper Ian Bennett is amongst those he is targeting this summer.

Royle, who has also asked Everton about Paul Gerrard, admitted that the 31-year-old is a player he is interested in: "He is one of those on my short list. We have not agreed to have talks or anything like that as yet but Ian is one we have made enquiries about.

"Birmingham have offered him a new contract so now he must decide if he wants to stay there or if he wants first team football here."

Bennett is currently out of contract at St Andrew's and his new deal there would take him up to 2005. However, he looks likely to spend most of that time on the bench with Nico Vaesen ahead of him in the pecking order and Steve Bruce is targeting a new goalkeeper in the summer.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls