Town manager Joe Royle has confirmed that Southampton have enquired about youngsters Matt Richards and Darren Bent. Newspaper stories over the weekend reported that Gordon Strachan was keen to pay £3 million for the pair.

Royle told the club site that he doesn't want to see either player leave Portman Road: "There has been interest from Southampton in the two lads but we have no intention of selling them."

However, the Town boss admits that all players have their price and doesn't completely rule out the pair leaving the club.

The Blues' boss is expecting some exits over the summer but hopes to start the season with at least two new players, possibly three depending on who he might need to replace.

Drissa Diallo looks like being one, while a goalkeeper is almost certain to be the second with Birmingham's Ian Bennett the front runner. Everton's Paul Gerrard and Grimsby's Danny Coyne are also said to be potential targets.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls