Skipper David Norris has revealed that his agent is in talks with Town regarding a new contract which he expects to sign. The 29-year-old is amongst 21 members of the Blues squad whose current terms are up at the end of the season.
Norris said: "The club are speaking at the moment to my agent. I tend to just leave it to them. I don’t get involved in it day-in, day-out. Hopefully, we can get something sorted soon.
"It’s good that the wheels are in motion and it should take care of itself. Obviously it’s the sooner, the better, for me. I want to get signed up and to try and carry on being successful here.
"I want to stay at Ipswich beyond the summer. I’m happy here and I’m settled here, and if I can get another deal then I’m sure I’ll be happy to sign it.”
Norris, who joined Town from Plymouth for £2 million in January 2008, is unlikely to be the only senior player whose representatives are in discussions with Town, chief executive Simon Clegg confirming that moves were being made earlier this month: "We’re starting that process but it’s very early days.
"I’m not going to name individuals but we’re aware of those that are out of contract, we’re aware of those we aspire to keep, but that is work in progress.
"Consistent with my usual approach, I’m not going to say anything until we’ve got to a point that I’m in a definitive position to say to you that player X is staying.”
Norris says the squad are determined to return to form when they travel to Norwich for the season's first East Anglian derby on Sunday: "It's a huge game, we know that. There is local pride at stake and we know the importance for the fans. We are desperate to win the game for them and send them home happy.
"I've played in a couple of derbies and they are great games to play in. The atmosphere is brilliant and they are intense affairs but they are only enjoyable if you win them."