THE Angelos Charisteas deal is dead, according to the player's agent.Paul Koulsoliakos also claims there has not been any recent contact with the Blues, which contradicts reports from Portman Road.

Derek Davis

THE Angelos Charisteas deal is dead, according to the player's agent.

Paul Koulsoliakos also claims there has not been any recent contact with the Blues, which contradicts reports from Portman Road.

Town are still in the hunt for an experienced and proven goal-scorer and say have not given up on the Nuremburg and Greece striker, who they have been given permission to speak to.

Koulsoliakos said last night: “If we had something more concrete then we would be willing to listen but there is nothing on the table. I'm aware there was interest a few weeks ago but since then have had no contact with Ipswich Town

“I have had talks with clubs from all around Europe but not with Ipswich Town.

“I would be prepared to fly to Russia, Azerbaijan or wherever, if there was a good deal available for any of my clients.”

The Blues are understood to be close to agreeing the final fee with Nuremburg, of around £2.5m, while the player is on around £20,000 a week.

Although Town would sign a new front man, there does not appear too much mileage in links with Ipswich to Nicky Maynard any more either.

Magilton said last week that Crewe had priced the player out of the market and also made clear last week that if he signed Kevin Lisbie, he would not pursue his interest in Maynard.

Even though Crewe have signed two strikers this summer, Calvin Zola from Tranmere for £200,000 and now Antony Elding for the same fee from Leeds United, coach Steve Holland insisted the Alex were in no rush to sell their prized asset.

He said: “We have no need to sell. We see Nicky and Calvin as our starting pair with Antony providing competition to both.”

Before Town had clinched Lisbie, they had asked Crewe if Maynard would be available for £1.75m but were told to come back with a much higher fee. Even though Crewe were ready to drop it was still too high for Ipswich who secured the Colchester United forward.

The Blues have Pablo Counago and Alan Lee as strikers, with Danny Haynes and Jon Walters capable of playing up front too.

Although it has been rumoured Lee will leave he is included in today's squad to play West Brom after missing the past two friendly matches with a slight niggle.

All of Magilton's new signings should be in action this afternoon as Town entertain Premier League new boys West Bromwich Albion.

Lisbie, Richard Wright, Gareth McAuley and Pim Balkestein, will all see action at Portman Road, 3pm kick off.