Town skipper Sam Morsy says reports of interest in him from Saudi Arabian clubs was news to him and that his full focus is on the season ahead at Portman Road.

Last night, it was reported that a number of Saudi clubs were keen on Morsy but he says that’s not something he’s aware of.

“It was news to me, really,” he told talkSPORT. “Obviously my full focus this season [is on Town], it’s an incredible project, the fans have taken to me unbelievably well [from] the moment I got here and I’m just really enjoying this project.

“I think there’s always been a bit of a loose link due to the fact that I’ve represented Egypt and played for my national team, so there’s always been a bit of a loose link there.

“But no, all focus is on this season, I’m really excited, the fans are really excited and we really want to attack it and give them a team to be proud of this season.”

Has the claims of a possible big money move to the Middle East led to any banter in the dressing room?

“I’m sure there will be this morning,” the 31-year-old added. “But no, like I said, it was news to me. It must have been a slow transfer market if my name was linked.

“Like I said, there have been loose links since I started to play for the national team but the full focus [is on] this season and trying to lead the lads in a certain way, trying to have a really good season.

“It’s really exciting, in the area. The fans have really missed it, the fans are right behind the club and we feel that we’re building something really special.”

Quizzed on whether winning back-to-back promotions might be a possibility, Morsy said it's too early to be looking that far ahead.

“We’ve been really enjoying pre-season,” he continued. “A couple of new players have come in, we’re probably expecting a few more to come in as well. We’re just working as hard as we can every day.

“The ambition last season was to become a really good team, and it’s the same this season. We want to be a really good team, a close-knit team, we want to represent our values and our football club.

“It’s probably a little bit too early in terms of aspirations, where you want to be. It’s a long, long season, but if we can bring in the right players and the players can gel right, then we have to aim to finish as high as we can.”

Morsy, who joined the Blues from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2021, has another two years left on his Town contract, promotion to the Championship having triggered a clause in the new deal he signed last summer giving him an additional season.

Photo: Matchday Images

Tractorboy58 added 12:14 - Jul 21 Great Captain
24

Miaow added 12:20 - Jul 21 Our most important player. I would be so gutted if we were to lose him.
22

oldelsworthyfan added 12:23 - Jul 21 Money talks. If he goes he will have to be replaced. That's the way it goes.
-7

Nomore4 added 12:29 - Jul 21 More chance they have mixed up Morsey for the Pig.
-2

ButchersBrokenNose added 12:33 - Jul 21 Morsy going public quickly and nipping this story in the bud is just another example of his excellent leadership.
19

whosroundisitanyway added 12:41 - Jul 21 Nomore4 No, Pigott's going to the Orient ;-)
4

Monkey_Blue added 12:52 - Jul 21 Good to hear he’s focused on Town… these sort of rumours can turn a players head and unsettle them even if they aren’t true.
5

Jugsy added 13:12 - Jul 21 Not always the most vocal with the press, they seem to share that responsibility around, but when he does speak he's clear and assured. Best captained in a very long time, leads the group by example and gets the job done.
2

PortmanTerrorist added 14:03 - Jul 21 Can't believe how well we manage the press these days. Easier when things are going well, but still impressive and very quick to shut this rumour down.
3

Nomore4 added 14:12 - Jul 21 I can’t believe anyone even contemplated this could happen. Although the best captain since Holland and arguably the best midfielder at ITFC for 20 years. The Saudis are not signing anyone who played last season in the EFL Div 3. It certainly wouldn’t fit the profile they are on.
0

SaigonTractor added 14:12 - Jul 21 Fair play I've been proven dead wrong here. I was certain he was off, over the moon I was incrorrect.
1

BlueChelmsford added 14:55 - Jul 21 Shout out to whoever added that trigger in his contract. One year left would have made us even more vulnerable to losing our captain. Leaders are not easy to come by - just ask Man Utd fans.
2

blues1 added 15:03 - Jul 21 Nomore4. Wouldn't be so sure about morsy not being the profile of player Saudi want. Max Power has gone over there. Pretty sure, as he has, morsy could easily have been a target.
0

ArnieM added 15:28 - Jul 21 Thank god for that ….. Sam's the main man!
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churchmans added 15:37 - Jul 21 This season can go two ways 1st championship could be to fast for morsy or bookings a plenty 2nd he will carry on his great superb reliable form into the coming season We shall find out and I agree with one of the comment previously on here about morsy being the best captain we have had since matt Holland! Really excited about this season and I think we can go back to back promotions

0

Henz10 added 16:04 - Jul 21 Nomore 4 - I agree he's the best captain since Holland and I would have to lose him, however in terms of ability he's no where near Holland or Magilton. If he were to receive a huge offer then I wouldn't blame him for leaving although I would be upset as he appears to have a real bond with the fans and is a great leader COYB
0

TimmyH added 16:19 - Jul 21 Saudi's are shameful, chucking huge amounts of money around as if it grows on trees! I wish they would keep out of sport, you watch them win the World Cup in 2030.
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dirtydingusmagee added 16:25 - Jul 21 Jugsy sorry marked down was slip of finger
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cooper4england added 21:05 - Jul 21 Actually i don't think money does talk. Happiest is first and he could be playing in front of 30k cheering his name as the biggest fish in the pool. Or he could be miserable in 50c temperature surrounded by sand and oppression watching the Town tearing up the league. Not all footballers are money grabbers. Don't know morsy but I'm thinking he is one of them.
1

bobble added 23:49 - Jul 21 he probably isnt allowed to talk about the offer in case the saudi prince orders his body to be hacked into bits and chucked in a suitcase...
0

cressi added 08:24 - Jul 22 Timmy H only way Saudi wins the world cup like Rep Ireland All the top players become Saudis lol not a chance with their born and bred players.
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Nomore4 added 13:40 - Jul 22 The difference being blues 1 Max Power has gone to the Saudi 2nd division not the high paying Saudi 1st division.
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