Dutch full-back Fabian Wilnis has told George Burley he wants to stay and fight for his place at Portman Road. Wilnis was offered a free transfer in February after becoming dissatisfied at the lack of first team opportunities at Portman Road.

Wilnis, who has a year left on his current Portman Road deal, now looks more likely to stay, although manager George Burley admits that if an offer is received the ex-De Graafschap man may still leave: "Six months ago we said we would not stand in his way if a club came in, but nothing happened.

"The situation is still the same. If the right move came we would not stand in his way.

"He will be starting pre-season with us and remains in the first team squad. Fabian says he wants to fight for his place here again."

Wilnis looked to be frozen out of the first team picture after reacting badly to being substituted in the first half of the away leg of the Helsingborg UEFA Cup tie last season. He met with Burley after the game, a meeting Wilnis said was not a good one.

Not long afterwards he asked for a transfer and subsequently the club told him he could go on a free.

Despite links with Fulham, West Ham and a reported loan offer from Bristol City no one has shown serious interest in the 31-year-old.

Photo: Action Images

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