Spanish side Real Betis are being linked with a January transfer window move for Blues' striker Pablo Couñago. However, the 24-year-old says he is keen to remain at Portman Road.

The ex-Celta Vigo man says he is unaware of any interest from the Seville-based side and would even be keen to extend his Town contract: "I have not heard any rumours about Betis. I speak regularly to my agent in Spain and he has said nothing about it.

"I would be happy to stay with Ipswich and I would like to get a new deal. I am very happy here."

However, the former Spanish U21 international is not completely ruling out a switch back home: "At the moment my team is Ipswich, but one day I would like to play for one of the big teams in La Liga."

Town's financial position may be better than it was, but they would still have to consider offers for their higher paid players should they come in. The cash situation would also make it difficult for the Blues to offer a lucrative extension to Couñago's contract which currently ends in June 2005.

Betis are reported to have had scouts at recent Town games, although Joe Royle has repeated that he has received no enquiries regarding his number nine: “We have had no contact with Real Betis, nor are we seeking any."

Couñago moved to Town on a Bosman in the summer of 2001. After a difficult first season he established himself in the first team last year and is currently Town's highest scorer this term.
Over the summer Spanish sources linked the striker with Valencia and Atletico Madrid.

Photo: Action Images

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