BLUES boss Jim Magilton has conceded he could lose Danny Haynes to the Premier League.

Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton has conceded he could lose Danny Haynes to the Premier League.

After scout Stewart Houston, who attends most of Ipswich Town's home games, was spotted at Portman Road as Haynes dazzled in Tuesday's 4-1 win over Leyton Orient, Arsenal became the latest club to be linked with the speedster

Portsmouth, Spurs, Aston Villa, Wigan and Everton have already reportedly shown interest and Magilton knows the 20-year-old is attracting serious interest.

Magilton said: “None of us would be surprised if Danny went to a Premier League club in the current climate.

“What he has is electrifying pace but what we are trying to do is give him a football perspective.

“We are trying to drill shape and responsibility into him, but when he turns on the afterburners there are few who can catch him.

“He has played a lot of games for me and he has matured. He is a terrific lad who is finding his voice in the dressing room and we think a lot of him.

“It would take really good money to prise him away from here.”

Haynes has become a fans' favourite with his goals and pacey approach, but the more discerning football pundits know he has areas to work on.

Former Town boss Joe Royle described Haynes as being like bottle of pop because you open the lid and he fizzes, but he can then go flat, an assessment Magilton backs.

He said: “Joe was spot on with his description.

“For ten minutes on Saturday he made us think 'we are going to win this game' - we should have won it. But then for the next 70 minutes he looked tired and lethargic. He is a young player still learning the game and he needs to be patient.

“We have to manage him in a way that his head is not turned. We are trying to give him an education and if he listens and learns then he can name his own price.”

With Town backed by the estimated £220million owner Marcus Evans they have no reason to sell and Magilton would rather see Haynes playing for them in the Premier League next season than try and win promotion without him.