Striker Jon Walters says he did not ask for a transfer during the summer and is happy at the club. The striker admits he would be interested in a move to the Premier League but reiterated that the club received no bid for him during the transfer window.

Walters, who has not previously spoken about the widespread rumours regarding his future, told the club site: "I have heard all about the media stuff but I've not been interested in it, to be honest.

"The facts are I have not asked for a transfer. I'm very happy at Ipswich Town and my family are now back in Suffolk after the birth of our daughter.

"My wife was heavily pregnant and trying to look after a three-year-old at that time is not easy. With me being away with the team, she wanted the security of her family around, so we decided she would have the baby back home in the North.

"It's been well documented about the problems surrounding the birth of our first child so, although all the scans showed everything was fine, there is still that nagging worry at the back of your mind.

"I'll admit that during training sometimes, my mind would wander. I'm a family man and family comes first with me. The manager had a word with me and was good enough to give me two weeks off to be with my wife.

"It's was brilliant man-management and I made a point of thanking the gaffer when I came back. My family are all settled back in Suffolk now."

Walters says the links with Premier League sides were gratifying, but while Stoke in particular were strongly linked, no one firmed up their interest: "It's flattering but I've been around long enough to know not to believe everyone you read in the newspapers!

"Derek Bowden has said many times that the club has received no bid for me. I've certainly not asked for a move. I do want to play in the Premier League and hopefully I will do so with Ipswich Town."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls