Boss Jim Magilton has confirmed that Leicester City central defender Gareth McAuley is amongst his summer targets.

A tabloid report this morning claimed that Leicester want £1.75 million for the Northern Ireland international.

McAuley was one of Magilton's main targets in the last transfer window and the Town manager says he remains high on his list of priorities: "The players I am looking to sign have not deviated from my targets in January and we have to construct a new spine to our side, from goalkeeper through central defence to striker.

"I've known Gareth for a very long time and I thought he was excellent here last year and he has played very well in games I've seen him play for Northern Ireland.”

QPR are also believed to be interested in the 28-year-old, who seems certain to leave the relegated Foxes over the summer, despite signing a new contract until 2011 in February.

It looks likely to be a busy summer at Town with the Blues thought to be looking to recruit one possibly two goalkeepers, two central defenders, at least one full-back, a left midfielder and probably two strikers, while a number of existing squad members could leave.

Five players – Gary Roberts, Billy Clarke, Gavin Williams, Dan Harding and Matt Richards – were all made available at the end of the season but the club are yet to receive any serious interest.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls