BLUES supporters have been given an added assurance that Pablo Counago is not returning to Spain after La Liga side Real Betis confirmed they have no plans to make a bid for the Ipswich striker, writes Derek Davis.

BLUES supporters have been given an added assurance that Pablo Counago is not returning to Spain after La Liga side Real Betis confirmed they have no plans to make a bid for the Ipswich striker, writes Derek Davis.

The Seville-based club were reported to be lining up a swoop for the former Spanish Under-21 star when the transfer window reopens in January.

But after Blues boss Joe Royle and Counago himself denied any substance in the story, the Spanish side have also made it clear there is no truth in it.

Manuel Momparlet, Real Betis' director of sport, said: "The squad is now complete, and we are not thinking about extra players in the short term. We are offered a lot of players every day, principally forwards, but the manager has assured us that part of the current squad is sufficiently covered."

Betis boss Victor Fernandez backed up Momparlet and insisted he had faith in his current rota of forwards, especially summer recruit Martin Palermo.

He said: "I have not asked for more players, and we need to give every confidence possible to Martin Palermo. That is why I signed him."

Counago joined Ipswich Town from Celta Vigo in May 2001, and the 24-year-old already has banged in six goals so far this season.