Veteran Town midfielder Jim Magilton has revealed that he will almost certainly remain at Portman Road next season. The Northern Irishman is one of three out of contract players offered new 12 month deals, all of whom are set to stay at Portman Road.

Magilton says he will formally give his answer in the next fortnight: "I have been offered the new contract and was asked to give an answer in the next couple of weeks.

"It is more than likely that I will accept it because my family and I are happy here and I feel the club are moving in the right direction again after some troubled times.

"My wife would like to move closer to her family in Liverpool but we have been here for four years now and are quite settled; although I would consider a move if I felt it was good for us."

Tranmere and Wigan are both said to be interested in the former international who is clearly starting to look to his retirement. The ex-Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday man is aiming for a career in coaching once he hangs up his boots: "I have been taking my Prelim coaching badge this week which will then take me on to the UEFA B licence.

"I definitely want to stay in the game when I stop playing, football has been all I have known for the best part of 20 years.

"I would like to do some media work too, I did a short course a year or so ago and have enjoyed working with BBC Northern Ireland on the last few international games too.

"Whatever happens when I finish playing isn't really important yet though, as I feel I have another year or two left in me for sure."

Magilton recently bought a property in Southport which led to incorrect claims he was certain to leave Portman Road this summer.

In addition to the 34-year-old midfielder, Fabian Wilnis and Richard Naylor have both indicated that they will sign their new one-year deals.

Photo: Action Images

SpruceMoose added 19:48 - May 15 Balls.
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