Town winger Lee Martin has reiterated his desire to remain at Portman Road when his four-year deal expires in the summer.

But the former Manchester United player, who cost £1.7 million when Roy Keane signed him in July 2009, accepts he will have to wait until at least the end of the current campaign before his future is decided.

With Ipswich still uncertain they will be playing in the Championship next term they are reluctant to make fresh offers to any players whose present agreements are about to run out.

Martin, 26, said: “I want to stay — I’ve said that all along — but the current situation probably doesn’t allow us to go into contract negotiations until we climb away from the bottom.

“We’re talking. It hasn’t stopped the discussions but I think it’s been put off until we see where we finish up.”

Martin was asked if he had spoken to other clubs, which he has been entitled to do since January under the freedom of contract rules.

He replied: “No, not really. Day to day you just come in, get your head down and work hard. There are more pressing issues to worry about than contracts. You put that to one side and get on with your football.”

Photo: Action Images

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