FORMER Manchester City goal-poacher Shaun Goater has turned down a chance to sign on loan for Ipswich Town, writes Carl Marston.Ipswich boss Joe Royle is keen to extend his attacking options, but Goater will be not be coming to Portman Road.

FORMER Manchester City goal-poacher Shaun Goater has turned down a chance to sign on loan for Ipswich Town, writes Carl Marston.

Ipswich boss Joe Royle is keen to extend his attacking options, but Goater will be not be coming to Portman Road. The search will therefore continue elsewhere.

Goater moved from City to Reading last summer, and he wants to battle for his place at the Madejski Stadium rather than accept a temporary switch to Division One rivals Ipswich.

Royle spoke to Steve Coppell earlier in the week, with the Reading boss agreeing to discuss the offer with Goater. The player, though, is just settling into his new lifestyle at Reading.

"Shaun (Goater) will be staying with Reading," admitted Royle, who rated Goater highly during their three years together at Manchester City.

"He's only just moved to a new house in Reading, and he's got a young family. He wants to get settled there and fight for his place in the team.

"It was a bit of shock for him, hearing of our interest. It's just not the right time for him to be going on a loan move.

"Steve (Coppell) had wanted to go away and have a talk about it with Shaun. It's not a case of him snubbing us, but rather that he wants to stay put.

"That appears to be the end of our interest in him, at least for now," added Royle.

Bermuda international Goater first made a name for himself at Rotherham during the first half of the 1990s, scoring an impressive 70 goals in 209 league appearances for the Millers.

A move to Bristol City followed, before the 33-year-old signed for Manchester City, with Royle at the helm, in a £400,000 package in 1998. Goater bagged 103 goals in 212 games for City as the Manchester club clinched two successive promotions from Division Two into the Premiership.

This season, Goater has chalked up seven goals in 23 appearances for Reading, despite being hampered by a knee problem.

Reading boss Coppell said: "Shaun has got no intention of leaving Reading. He's happy at the club, and he wants to complete the job that he was brought here to do."

Although Royle has been unable to lure Goater to Portman Road, he has other irons in the fire.

The Town boss also revealed that he would be very surprised to see any of his current squad leave the club this month.

Millwall assistant manager Ray Wilkins cast his eye over Town's out-of-favour keeper Andy Marshall during Wednesday afternoon's Reserve game, against Coventry City.

There is a possibility that the Lions could move in for Marshall, who is available on a free transfer, although much will hinge on whether Millwall No.1 Tony Warner completes a move to Wolves.

Marshall's departure would lessen the wage bill at Portman Road, although as yet there has been no contact between the two clubs.

"I've had no enquiries for our players, and I've not had any contact from Millwall, said Royle.

Former Norwich City keeper Marshall has not made an appearance for Town this season. He is set to be on the bench, as a deputy for Kelvin Davis, for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round tie against Sunderland at Portman Road.

Royle continued: "I don't envisage anyone leaving. It's very quiet at the moment. In fact, it's a very quiet transfer market.

"I've had no mention of any names during this month's transfer window, and Nationwide League clubs can come in at any time. I'll be surprised if there are any departures.

"I'd still like to bring someone in, and Shaun (Goater) was one of only a few enquiries that I've made. I've made three enquiries recently, and I can confirm that two of them are front players.

"People might think it's a bit strange that I'm after another striker, after scoring six goals last week, but we've really only got three established strikers at the club.

"Darren Bent is still injured, while Dean Bowditch is a player that I have faith in for the future. But we need experienced players for now, to help with our promotion push.

"It will be easier for us, once the transfer window closes at the end of this month. The Premiership clubs will know what their squad is for the season, while there is no deadline for us," added Royle.