Bowditch West Ham Link - Ipswich Town News
A tabloid newspaper is linking striker Dean Bowditch with a £1 million move to West Ham. The Hammers have recently been regulars at Portman Road with midfielder Owen Garvan also amongst their targets.
Rumours regarding Bowditch's future first surfaced last week but Town boss Joe Royle was quick to reiterate that the 19-year-old is still very much in his plans. The striker signed a new contract in January this year which runs until June 2008.
TWTD understands that the Blues have offered Garvan a new deal in time for his 18th birthday in January but the young Irishman is stalling on signing it.
Academy players below 18 are not allowed to sign lengthy deals and Garvan's current deal is up in the summer of 2007.
Elsewhere, the Blues are reported to be making an attempt to sign West Ham midfielder Carl Fletcher on a three-month loan. This suggests reports on Friday suggesting Town had failed in a bid last week were incorrect.
Boss Joe Royle is keen to sign a midfielder on loan as cover for Ian Westlake while he is out injured. Fletcher left Watford after a one-month spell last Monday.
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