Defender Alex Bruce says the lack of a new contract offer from Town has nothing to do with excessive financial demands on his part. Bruce's terms are up in the summer and manager Jim Magilton has admitted that he will consider offers for the Irish international in January.

Bruce said: "I have seen it said I am turning contracts down for money reasons and that is an absolute load of rubbish.

"I have not been offered a contract. I have never been motivated by money and it hurts me when people suggest I am. It is rubbish and it is a kop out.”

Bruce's agent has met with chief executive Derek Bowden on a number of occasions but despite the negotiations Town have not made the former Birmingham man an offer.

Bowden recently told TWTD that he will meet with Magilton and club owner Marcus Evans in January to discuss the futures of the players who are out of contract.

Bruce says he would like to remain at Portman Road if a new deal is forthcoming: "What would make me stay is being offered a contract but the manager is not offering any of us a contract and there are 13 others also in the same situation.”

Leeds United, Norwich City, Burnley, Preston, Fiorentina, Genoa and Napoli have all been reported as interested in the 24-year-old.

Elsewhere, Swansea are reported to have had a £175,000 offer for Derry City winger Niall McGinn turned down. The Swans are said to be ready to make another bid for the 21-year-old, who Town watched on a regular basis throughout the Eircom League season.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls