Town manager Joe Royle has been left stunned by by defender Chris Makin turning down the offer of a new deal at Portman Road. Makin had previously indicated that he intended to remain with the Blues.

The full-back missed most of last season due to a hip injury and was offered an initial two-month contract. Once he had proved his fitness the deal would have been extended for the whole season.

Royle admits Makin's decision has come out of the blue and hopes to change the defender's mind: "I am somewhat surprised and I am hoping to speak to Chris on Monday and find out why he has turned us down.

"Is it money or has he had a better offer from another club? I need to know before I start making my own plans to bring the squad up to strength.

"We supported Chris all last season when he was injured and now, from my point of view, I need to know whether he wants to stay or not."

Royle knows Makin well, the 31-year-old having started his career at Oldham under the Town boss, before moving on to Marseille and Sunderland.

Makin's new Portman Road deal would have meant him taking a large pay-cut from his previous deal, signed in Town's Premiership days.

The Town number-three may have been offered a longer deal elsewhere, like John McGreal who accepted a three-year deal at Burnley, while the Blues would only offer him a year due to his age and fitness record.

Makin, who hails from Manchester, could be looking for a return to the north at this stage of his career.

Town start pre-season training on Monday, which is also the cut-off date for out-of-contract players to accept their deals.

Royle is yet to hear from Richard Naylor, Jim Magilton and Fabian Wilnis, although all three are expected to accept their deals.

Once the club are sure what is happening to the out-of-contract players - and the fate of high-earners Pablo Couñago and Martijn Reuser - Royle and his scouting team can look towards adding to the currently depleted looking squad.

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