Striker Connor Wickham has signed a new contract aimed at keeping him at the club until 2013. The 17-year-old, who was previously contracted until the summer of 2012, has been the subject of intense speculation and has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs, but the new deal should bring an end to that, for the time being at least.

England U21 international Wickham told the club site: "I've been here since I was 12 years old and feel I'm at the right club to progress as a player.

"I'm enjoying my football at Ipswich Town and am looking forward to the future here and playing my part in helping the club reach the Premier League."

Paul Jewell, the new Town boss, added: "Connor is a terrific prospect, although we have to remember he's still only 17.

"He's got a lot of learning to do but he's got a good attitude and has shown he wants to do that.

"I'm looking forward to working with him and hopefully one day he will be playing in the Premier League - with Ipswich Town."

Town chief executive Simon Clegg was pleased to have tied the Hereford-born youngster to the club for a longer period: "We're obviously delighted that Connor has committed himself to the club by signing a long term contract.

"He's viewed as a very good prospect by people at this club - and in the game in general - and we are now confident that we will see him in an Ipswich Town shirt for many years to come."

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

Handsome_Lizard added 18:21 - Jan 21 Fantastic news. Terrific!
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Blue92 added 18:21 - Jan 21 Brilliant news. Now to sort Norris, McA...
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Harwich_Blue added 18:22 - Jan 21 Terrific news ahead of Doncaster - now for Mcauly and Norris please
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dazz added 18:22 - Jan 21 Not expecting that! but terrific to see..... hopefully this will encourage more key players to sign!
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canveyblue added 18:23 - Jan 21 Good news, come on Connor lets see more performances like you did against the Arse,starting tomorrow with a couple of goals vs Donny Rovers.COYB
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Mark added 18:34 - Jan 21 It is good news. I heard on Radio Suffolk that Wickham has signed a "new long term deal". 2013 is only two years away so it is hardly long-term, but 2013 is better than 2012 so we can now enjoy his performances without worrying so much about his contract.
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legoman added 18:36 - Jan 21 Would be fantastic if Connor and Tamas could form a lethal partnership.
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BrightBlue added 18:36 - Jan 21 Fantastic news! Bag a couple of goals tomorrow Connor, there's a good lad!
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Rydeabluehorse added 18:37 - Jan 21 Yay!!
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bigfish added 18:37 - Jan 21 CW thanks for signing
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Suffolk_n_Good added 18:40 - Jan 21 Thats great news, sign Norris & Macca up Cleggy-boy b4 they get away!!
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Worcester added 18:41 - Jan 21 Yeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw!
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onlyone added 18:47 - Jan 21 Great News !!! Come on now Connor round the week up with a few goals ;-)
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Big_Foot_Blue added 18:47 - Jan 21 Awesome! Came a bit out of the blue but that has to settle Connor down now to focus on finding his form and hopefully pursuade other players to sign. I see this as a statement of intent from the club to make sure people know we arent a selling club anymore and players like Connor are going nowhere! Not cheaply at least ;) Get McAuley and Norris sorted before Arsenal and a home win tomorrow and I will be going to the emirates in the best spirits ive been in in ages!

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siebdykstra added 18:55 - Jan 21 Fantastic news, could be the boost we need and lead to Norris and Macca to sign on as well if they can see the future the club can have. I wonder if this was on the cards before RK left. Your thoughts please.
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tractorboynathan added 18:57 - Jan 21 Very ironic. Wasn't his first game in an town shirt at home to Doncaster? And who are we playing tomorrow?
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Karlosfandangal added 18:58 - Jan 21 Excellent news, next season will be a great one for him i feel. Out of the 21 that are out of contract, I feel that only about 10 of those we really need to keep, McAuley and Norris along with Edwards have been offered contract, so things are moving, McAuley and Norris may have turned down the deal on offer but they may still sign, depends on what they are asking for. If we have only offered Wickham a short term deal then I cant see the club offering long term deals for Norris and McAuley as I think they got thier finger burnt with the length of Martins deal. Having said that Wickham may only wanted a short term contract as in a couple of years he may feel its time to move on. Who reallly knows by the end of the season we will know who we are keeping as Jewell will have made his mark by then. Chimbonda has signed for QPR

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LincsBluebelly added 19:03 - Jan 21 Fabulous news. Connor could easily have moved on to a big club for big money and sat on the bench, but this proves to me that he's got a good head on his shoulders and that he's also got good, sensible people around him providing good advice. There are a minority on this site who don't rate him but the vast majority realise that, for a 17 year old, he's got a great future ahead of him...especially if he keeps his feet on the ground. Anyway, enough rambling...well done to the management team, and well done Connor.

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BYRNE_16 added 19:05 - Jan 21 good good....now on with the rest of the contract talks...
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bluelady added 19:27 - Jan 21 fantastic, Clegg showing he can at least get a deal sorted!! from the interviews with players i have heard so far there is a real buzz about Portman Road for the first time in a long time. Also they are 'trying new things' on the training ground, love to see those things working (perhaps not using Leabitter for corners or free kicks for a start!)
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HadleighBlueBoy added 19:32 - Jan 21 Don't want to the bringer of doom here but is this about seriously keeping Wickham or getting a better price for him in the Summer?
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HadleighBlueBoy added 19:34 - Jan 21 Is this about seriously keeping Wickham or getting a better price in the summer?
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itfc1981 added 19:41 - Jan 21 Do a Le Tissier Connor and stay with us for your entire professional career, your name will last in history.
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reuser90 added 20:06 - Jan 21 Good News!! mmmmm would this have been the case if RK had still been here? lets just hope he realises his potential!! then again,whats a contract worth in this day and age? Celebrate 2morow CW with a goal and 3pts!!!COYB!!
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SmellyGreenVeggie added 20:19 - Jan 21 hoooray
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