JIM Magilton was today the subject of a scathing attack by Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Holloway.The controversial and often outspoken Pilgrims manager told his opposite number at Ipswich Town to keep his nose out of Plymouth's business.

By Elvin King

JIM Magilton was today the subject of a scathing attack by Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Holloway.

The controversial and often outspoken Pilgrims manager told his opposite number at Ipswich Town to keep his nose out of Plymouth's business.

Linked with the vacant job at Portman Road following the departure of Joe Royle in May 2006, Holloway is furious with his Championship rivals after the Blues went public on their bid to sign key midfielder David Norris.

Holloway insists Ipswich have not made an offer for the 26-year-old, although he confirms they did make a verbal inquiry with Town chairman David Sheepshanks speaking to his Argyle counterpart, Paul Stapleton, at the Football League's annual meeting in Portugal last month.

Norris signed a three-year contract with the Pilgrims last July and Holloway values him very highly.

Magilton was quoted as saying: “I spoke to Ian Holloway about Norris but was rebuffed. It went to board level, but Plymouth made it clear he was not for sale, so that's the end of it for now.”

Holloway stormed today from Plymouth's training camp in Austria: “With the greatest respect to Ipswich, I'm sure there are a lot more people interested in David Norris who are better placed than them.

“My answer to Ipswich is that I should be trying to buy their best player because we finished above them last season.

“So I strongly consider they should keep their nose out of our business and conduct what they want to do in a more professional manner.

“If they are trying to upset my player it is bang out of order. If they admire some of my players that's great, but they shouldn't talk about it in the papers.

“I would be chuffed to beans if someone rang up about David from the Premiership because I believe he deserves to play there.”

It is not the first time Magilton has caused a rival Championship manager to let off steam. Sunderland's Roy Keane had a pop last season when Magilton was keen on bringing Tommy Miller to Portman Road on loan.

Magilton today confirmed that he is not fending off bids for any of his players - and insisting that he wants striker Alan Lee to stay at Portman Road.

Hull boss Phil Brown has been reported as saying that Ipswich have reduced their valuation of Lee, adding to the puzzling situation by saying: “The deal is still alive. Our bid was put on the table, was turned down but remains very much on the table.

“Ipswich have now made contact with us and have now come down in their estimation of Alan (Lee).

“It's not a game of bluff or a game of stick or twist, it's just a case of our estimation is where it's at.”

Magilton will not welcome another approach from City, saying: “I am not fending off any bids.

“We have not heard anything more from Hull and I'm quite happy with that. We want Alan here with us.”