Town manager Joe Royle has reiterated the club's determination to hold on to young striker Darren Bent. Earlier today TWTD reported that Newcastle United are set to renew their interest in the 19-year-old prospect.

Royle says: “Darren is an important member of the side. He is one of our leading goalscorers and I sincerely hope he is still with us at the start of the new season.”

It is understood that Bent, likely to fetch £2 million, is considered the player the club least wants to sell. However, should no offers come in for higher paid players like Marcus Bent or Matt Holland and no one comes in for free transfers Alun Armstrong, Martijn Reuser, Finidi George or Andy Marshall, then the Blues would be forced to cash in on the England U21.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls