Town manager Joe Royle has confirmed Everton's interest in out-of-contract midfielder Jermaine Wright and admits that it is now unlikely the 28-year-old will be at Portman Road for 2004/05. Wright joined the Blues from Crewe for £500,000 in the summer of 1999.

Royle, back from a short break at his holiday home in Majorca, confirmed both recent links with Wright: "The odds are that Jamma will be moving on. He is coveted by both Everton and Leeds.

"It is now up to him to decide and, while he has until the 28th of the month, I have spoken to his agent and both he and Jamma agree that I need to know what is happening as soon as possible.

"It would be good to know before the end of the week what his plans are. We could perhaps replace him from within the squad, but ideally I would like to bring someone in."

The lure of Premiership football and a more lucrative contract make Everton strong favourites to land Wright, although other top-flight clubs could also be interested. Southampton were linked last month but there has been no confirmation of their interest.

Royle will speak to the other our-of-contract players in the next few days. Skipper Jim Magilton, Fabian Wilnis, Richard Naylor and John McGreal have all been offered another year at Portman Road and are expected to stay.

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