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Town Target Third Man - Ipswich Town News

Town manager Jim Magilton has revealed that he has tabled a bid for a third player. The identity of the third man targeted since the transfer window opened last week is at present a mystery.

Magilton says talks are continuing with Plymouth regarding midfielder David Norris and also the second offer made for another unnamed player last week: "We are still in discussions about those two.”

Town offered Plymouth an initial £1 million rising to £1.5 million for Norris, but that bid was turned down. As reported by TWTD last week, a second bid was inevitable with Norris Jim Magilton's number one target.

Leicester, Norwich and Southampton have also been linked with the former Bolton and Boston player, but the Pilgrims are yet to confirm whether they have received any other offers.

With so many names mentioned as potential Town targets in recent weeks, it's difficult to assess who might be the men in whom Magilton has firmed up his interest.

Today's only tabloid links are another report which says the Blues are amongst a number of Championship sides chasing Burnley's Andy Gray. Charlton are said to have made a £1.3 million bid for the 30-year-old.

The Blues are also again mentioned in connection with Cardiff's Paul Parry, although it is understood that the Bluebirds are unwilling to sell the Welsh international.

George O'Callaghan's return to Cork City may have been made more likely with Alan Mathews being confirmed as the manager of the Eircom League club. Former Longford Town boss Mathews is understood to be keen to sign the midfielder, who joined the Blues from his home town club a year ago.

A move back to Ireland may complicated by the FAI's usual strict enforcement of FIFA's three-club rule which means players cannot play for more than three clubs within the space of a year. This means O'Callaghan, just back from a loan spell at Brighton wouldn't be available for selection until the end of June, however, the FAI have occasionally waived the rule in the past.

QPR, Bohemians and St Patrick's have all also been linked with the 28-year-old.

Magilton says he has received no interest in any of his squad, aside from Matt Richards, who could return to Brighton on another loan, and Michael Synnott, who is on trial at York City.

Magilton and chairman David Sheepshanks are reported to have held discussions with new owner Marcus Evans at his London offices yesterday with other club staff set for similar meetings today.

Town have appealed for further information on a group of teenage boys in the North Stand racially abusing Portsmouth players during Saturday's game. The club are investigating reports made by other members of the crowd during the game.

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