IPSWICH Town have offered improved contracts to their teenage stars, striker Darren Bent and left-back Matt Richards.

IPSWICH Town have offered improved contracts to their teenage stars, striker Darren Bent and left-back Matt Richards.

Bent scored an excellent goal for the England Under-21 side against Serbia & Montenegro at Hull this week which will have alerted Premiership managers.

Richards made a huge impact on the Ipswich left side after the departure of Hermann Hreidarsson. He showed himself capable of playing as an orthodox left-back or at wing-back.

Town manager Joe Royle said: "We have actively discouraged approaches regarding our young players at this club. I am hopeful that both Darren and Matt will be in my starting line-up for the first game of the season. To that end we have made both of the lads improved offers to their contracts and I hope they will feel able to commit to Ipswich Town because I very much want them to stay at Portman Road."

Southampton have shown more than a passing interest in Richards while Darren Bent has attracted the attention of Newcastle United among other clubs.