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No Serious Interest in Listed Five - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton says the club are yet to receive any serious interest in the five players transfer-listed at the end of last season. Gary Roberts, Matt Richards, Gavin Williams, Dan Harding and Billy Clarke were all made available by the Blues manager.

Magilton says he listed the players as they are unlikely to be playing regular first team football at Portman Road next season: "I can't guarantee they are going to get that here, but if nothing changes during pre-season then they will get the opportunity to show me they have a future at Ipswich Town.

"But if we get an offer that is right for the player and right for the club, then we will move them on.”

Accrington Stanley were tentatively interested in re-signing winger Gary Roberts, but chief executive Rob Heys conceded late last month that a deal for their former player would be beyond his club and he expected Roberts to move on to another Championship side.

New Brighton and Hove Albion boss Micky Adams recently said his club could still make a move for Matt Richards, who spent much of last season on loan at the Withdean Stadium, although nothing appears to have happened on that front so far.

Previous Albion manager Dean Wilkins was known to want to sign Richards permanently, but Adams taking over threw the possible move into doubt, however, Adams was believed to have been impressed with what he saw of the former England U21 international on DVDs of last season's games. Richards has another year left on his Town contract.

Town are still to make a new offer to Dean Bowditch, whose deal was up at the end of the season, but a further extension of perhaps a year looks to be on the cards with Magilton and Bryan Klug great admirers of the striker who has lost his way somewhat in recent seasons.

Dutch central defender Pim Balkestein is now expected to complete his move to the Blues next week, Town and Heerenveen having agreed compensation for the out-of-contract 21-year-old. Balkestein has been in talks with the club regarding personal terms.

Elsewhere, Millwall have made an enquiry to Luton regarding former Town striker Sam Parkin.

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