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Jim Confirms Swap Talk - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton has confirmed yesterday's reports of ongoing talks regarding a swap involving Darren Currie and Leeds left-back Dan Harding. The Northern Irishman has also substantiated last month's link with Rangers defender Bob Malcolm.

Magilton said: "Leeds have expressed an interest in Darren Currie and we have said we would be interested in a left-back. Danny Harding's name has come to the fore but that is as far as it has gone so far.

"Nothing has been made firm by Leeds and we have not decided anything."

Malcolm could go on the pre-season tour of Holland and Belgium but again Magilton says nothing has yet been settled: "We are after a specific type of player and Malcolm has been recommended to us. We have looked at some tapes of him but nothing has been decided as yet."

The 25-year-old was linked with Town last month and is also said to be interesting Coventry, Wolves and Dundee United.

Glasgow-born Malcolm, a centre-half or holding midfield player, progressed through the youth scheme at Ibrox and has been in and out of the first team since making his senior debut in a 3-0 victory over Dundee United in April 2000.

Malcolm has appeared destined to leave the club he supported as a boy on a number of occasions, but was offered a two-year contract by former boss Alex McLeish this time last year.

Sometimes a controversial figure, Malcolm was fined £5,000 in May 2004 for adding a sectarian comment when giving a fan an autograph.

Rangers may allow the 5ft 11in tall player to leave on a free transfer to reduce their wage bill, but his personal terms with last season's third-placed SPL side could be difficult for Town to match.

Malcolm has made 66 career starts and 22 substitute appearances for his only club, scoring three goals.

Elsewhere, former Town winger Bobby Petta is on trial at Australian club Adelaide United having failed to agree terms with fellow A-League side the Queensland Roar.

David Geddis, one of Town's 1978 FA Cup final heroes, has joined Leeds as reserve team manager. Geddis was previously a scout in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England set-up.

Another former striker, Marcus Stewart, is being linked with a move to Plymouth after a disappointing 2005/06 with Bristol City. The Pilgrims are now managed by Ian Holloway, Stewart's boss during his time at Bristol Rovers.

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