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Holland to Return? - Ipswich Town News

TWTD understands that former skipper Matt Holland is on new manager Jim Magilton's list of potential summer signings. Holland has a year left on his Charlton contract but may not be in new manager Iain Dowie's plans for the season ahead.

A permanent move or a season-long loan could both be possibilities depending on the finance involved and the income Town receive from the share issue, any outgoing sales or percentages on deals involving former players.

Holland, 32, joined the Addicks from the Blues in the summer of 2003 for £750,000 after six years, 314 appearances and 46 goals as a Town player.

The former Republic of Ireland international is the third former Blue linked with a move back to Town this summer with Tommy Miller strongly linked to return from Sunderland once Niall Quinn's consortium finally complete their takeover at the Stadium of Light.

Magilton has admitted he could also show an interest in Jamie Clapham, although no move has yet been made for the full-back or midfielder, who was released by Birmingham at the end of the season. Clapham was linked with Crystal Palace in a tabloid report this weekend, with Town the subjects of a number of other stories.

Midfielder Darren Currie is claimed to be a £250,000 target of Championship rivals Leeds United. The Blues would be unlikely to turn down a bid in this region for the 31-year-old, whose contract is up at the end of next season.

Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder Chris Birchall, currently with Port Vale, is reported to be a £150,000 Town target.

Former striker Darren Bent is again reported to be a target of Newcastle United, a story which first appeared the morning after Michael Owen ruptured his cruciate ligament while with England at the World Cup.

The Magpies are said to be ready to pay £12 million for Bent, which if true would net the Blues a £1.88 million windfall. The deal which saw the frontman move to the Valley last summer for an initial £2.5 million included a clause would see the Blues gain 20% of any profit the Addicks — who subsequently paid Town £50,000 on Bent's 20th and 40th appearances — make on the 22-year-old's future sale.

Bent has also been linked with Liverpool and Spurs at various prices from £9 million up to £15 million. Liverpool's interest is likely to have cooled now that they have signed Craig Bellamy from Blackburn Rovers.

Former Blue Bobby Petta is set to leave Bradford City and is in talks with Australian club the Queensland Roar.

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