IPSWICH TOWN manager Mick McCarthy has revealed he has an idea of which players he would like to keep at Portman Road next season, despite Championship survival not being mathematically secured.

Contracted players Andy Drury, Arran Lee-Barrett and Lee Martin’s deals run out in July, while Richard Stearman and Aaron Mclean will return to Wolves and Hull respectively.

In addition, the likes of Daryl Murphy, Guirane N’Daw, Patrick Kisnorbo, Jay Tabb will leave their current clubs, while Reece Brown’s future at Manchester United is unclear, with the defender’s deal also set to run out in the summer.

“I’ve got a good idea of who I want to keep and what I want to do, but they’ve also got an idea as to what they want to do,” said McCarthy.

“Playing in the first division (Championship) is one thing they’ll be wanting to do, so there’s a bit of motivation for them over the coming days. They’ll be wanting to negotiate as Championship players.”

McCarthy has already told Jack Ainsley, Cormac Burke, Ronan Murray, Gunnar Thorsteinsson and Joe Whight that they will not be offered new deals.