x

Jim: No Birchall Bid Yet - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton says he has been monitoring Trinidad and Tobago World Cup star Chris Birchall's progress but has confirmed that he is yet to make an approach for the 22-year-old. Yesterday Port Vale manager Martin Foyle and the player's agent said they had heard nothing from Town regarding the midfielder.

Magilton said: "We have been looking at Chris's situation but have not had any conversations with him, his agent or Port Vale.

"The Vale manager Martin Foyle is an old friend of mine from our days at Oxford but I have not spoken to him about Chris."

Birchall was linked with the Blues by last month, shortly after his impressive displays for Trinidad and Tobago in Germany.

Magilton has dismissed unlikely reports earlier in the week linking Rangers pair Nacho Novo and Gavin Rae, and has reiterated that Spanish full-back Sito is in his plans and has been taken off the transfer list.

The former Racing Club de Ferrol man was listed towards the end of last season by former boss Joe Royle, only a few weeks after being handed a contract until the end of next season.

Magilton says Sito has returned to Town in the best condition of all the squad but needs to work on the slip-ups which caused his predecessor to offer him the chance to find a new club.

Town's share issue closes today with Magilton hoping that enough cash is raised to give him the freedom he requires in the transfer market. Town's fighting fund could be boosted even further should Darren Bent move on from Charlton, as continues to be reported in the national press.

Newcastle are claimed 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, Manchester City 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.

What to read next:

Armstrong New Gateshead Boss
Former Blues striker Alun Armstrong has been appointed the new manager of his hometown club, National League Gateshead.
Town Programme For Visit to Port Vale Sells For Almost £3,000
A programme from the Blues’ visit to Port Vale in the 1946/47 season has become the most expensive involving the club to be sold at auction.
TWTD Questionnaire 2024/25
Only another couple of days in which to fill in the annual TWTD Questionnaire, your chance to look back in judgement on Town's 2024/25 season
Tuanzebe Linked With Trabzonspor
Out-of-contract Town defender Axel Tuanzebe is being linked with a move to Trabzonspor in the Turkish media.
Hutchinson On as Sub as England U21s Draw
Blues forward Omari Hutchinson won his sixth England U21s cap as a sub as his side drew 0-0 with Slovenia in their second group game at the European Championship in Slovakia.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Blues Linked With Burnley Midfielder Brownhill
Town are reported to be keeping tabs on out-of-contract Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Hutchinson and England U21s Face Slovenia
Town forward Omari Hutchinson and his England U21s teammates face Slovenia in their second European Championship group game in Slovakia this evening (KO 5pm, Channel 4).
Burgess: What a Ride!
Departing Blues defender Cameron Burgess has issued a goodbye message to all at Town having agreed a three-year deal with Swansea City.