Town defender Alex Bruce will not be offered a new contract by the Blues, according to reports this lunchtime. Bruce, whose current terms are up at the end of the season, has been widely tipped to make a move to Italy.

Chief executive Derek Bowden told TWTD last week that talks were continuing with Bruce's agent regarding extending the former Birmingham man's stay at Portman Road with an announcement expected later in the following days.

No announcement has since been forthcoming and it appears the 24-year-old's stay at Portman Road is coming to an end after two and a half years.

Yesterday, Irish newspapers reported that Town had offered a deal to out-of-contract former Drogheda defender Graham Gartland, which suggests the Dubliner is seen as Bruce's replacement.

Over the weekend Bruce was linked with Serie A sides Genoa and Napoli but with Fiorentina believed to be favourites for his signature. Capped once by the Republic of Ireland, Bruce is understood to have been recommended to the Italian clubs by Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

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