Manchester United youngster Lee Martin has signed a four-year contract to bring him to Portman Road. The 22-year-old left-winger will have been brought as a replacement for Civelli who is out until the new year with a knee injury.

Lee was pleased with the switch, telling the club site: "It obviously wasn't an easy decision, leaving a club like Manchester United but I know how ambitious the manager is here and I'm delighted to be part of his plans for the future.

"It's also important for me to be playing regular first-team football and hopefully I can play my part in helping Ipswich get back in the Premier League."

Taunton-born Martin joined United's academy from Wimbledon in 2003 and by 2005 had made his first team debut in a Carling Cup tie against Barnet.

Since then, the 5ft 10in tall wideman has failed to establish himself at Old Trafford, making only one more senior appearance.

Loan spells at Royal Antwerp, Rangers, Stoke, Plymouth, Sheffield United and last season Nottingham Forest have followed. With Forest, Martin, who can also operate up front, made nine starts and four sub appearances, scoring one goal.

Photo: Action Images

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