Town are reported to have made a new bid of £500,000 for Blackburn Rovers striker Franny Jeffers. Chairman David Sheepshanks has confirmed that the Blues have upped their offer, while Derby County manager Billy Davies has denied any interest in the former England man.

Sheepshanks doesn't reveal the size of the new offer, but a number of today's national newspapers quote £500,000. The Town chairman confirmed that the new bid has been made: “We are still very keen to sign Francis Jeffers and we have made a second offer to Blackburn Rovers. We are now awaiting their response.”

Rovers were reported to want a seven-figure sum for the former Arsenal, Everton and Charlton man, however, a deal in the region of £500,000 has always looked far more likely for the striker, who has a year left on his contract.

Derby boss Billy Davies is quoted as dismissing persistent reports that he is interested in Jeffers, news which will be welcomed by Town fans. However, Jim Magilton appeared to suggest that Blackburn had received another bid for Jeffers at the end of last week when he said that the Ewood Park club wanted to wait until after the play-off final before making a decision on the frontman's future.

Sheepshanks has also denied any contact from Coventry regarding Alan Lee, although yesterday's national newspaper reports linking the Irishman with the Sky Blues only claimed that Iain Dowie's club were ready to make a £400,000 move for the striker, rather than had already made an offer.

The Town chairman also refuted suggestions of a rift between Lee and manager Jim Magilton, a continual rumour since the controversial Amsterdam trip over Christmas, and reiterated that the Blues have no intention of selling last season's top scorer.

Meanwhile, Martin Brittain has returned to the Blues after the end of his loan spell with Yeovil after the Somerset side's weekend play-off final defeat to Blackpool. Brittain will not be offered a new deal by Town when his current one-year contract is up at the end of June.

Elsewhere, Carlisle striker Karl Hawley, linked with the Blues earlier in the summer, is reported to be on the verge of signing for Preston North End, where he will be reunited with former Cumbrians' manager Paul Simpson.

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

Photo: Action Images

BlueandTruesince82 added 10:46 - May 31 Thank god this never happened, an example of a footballer who really dropped off a cliff in terms of ability. Hasn't FJ got an England cap
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