Boss Jim Magilton says he has been monitoring Trinidad and Tobago World Cup star Chris Birchall's progress but has confirmed that he is yet to make an approach for the 22-year-old. Yesterday Port Vale manager Martin Foyle and the player's agent said they had heard nothing from Town regarding the midfielder.

Magilton said: "We have been looking at Chris's situation but have not had any conversations with him, his agent or Port Vale.

"The Vale manager Martin Foyle is an old friend of mine from our days at Oxford but I have not spoken to him about Chris."

Birchall was linked with the Blues by last month, shortly after his impressive displays for Trinidad and Tobago in Germany.

Magilton has dismissed unlikely reports earlier in the week linking Rangers pair Nacho Novo and Gavin Rae, and has reiterated that Spanish full-back Sito is in his plans and has been taken off the transfer list.

The former Racing Club de Ferrol man was listed towards the end of last season by former boss Joe Royle, only a few weeks after being handed a contract until the end of next season.

Magilton says Sito has returned to Town in the best condition of all the squad but needs to work on the slip-ups which caused his predecessor to offer him the chance to find a new club.

Town's share issue closes today with Magilton hoping that enough cash is raised to give him the freedom he requires in the transfer market. Town's fighting fund could be boosted even further should Darren Bent move on from Charlton, as continues to be reported in the national press.

Newcastle are claimed to be ready to pay £12 million for Bent, which if true would net the Blues a £1.88 million windfall. The deal which saw the frontman move to the Valley last summer for an initial £2.5 million included a clause would see the Blues gain 20% of any profit the Addicks — who subsequently paid Town £50,000 on Bent's 20th and 40th appearances — make on the 22-year-old's future sale.

Bent has also been linked with Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs at various prices from £9 million up to £15 million. Liverpool's interest is likely to have cooled now that they have signed Craig Bellamy from Blackburn Rovers.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls