DEAN Bowditch is today weighing up Ipswich Town's offer of a new one-year-contract to extend his stay at Portman Road.The striker, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Sunday, has made 81 first team appearances and scored nine goals.

Elvin King

DEAN Bowditch is today weighing up Ipswich Town's offer of a new one-year-contract to extend his stay at Portman Road.

The striker, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Sunday, has made 81 first team appearances and scored nine goals. But he did not play a senior game last season and was sent out on loan.

Connected with the Blues since he was 14, Town boss Jim Magilton is reluctant to dismiss Bowditch and is hoping he can re-find the form that made him such a hot property as a teenager.

Bowditch's contract expires at the end of this month, with Magilton saying: “I have offered Dean a new one-year contract.

“He is on holiday at the moment and is considering his options.

“When he returns I expect to sit down with him and see where we go from here.”

Magilton has confirmed that he was interested in signing Kyle Lafferty, the 20-year-old Burnley striker who looks set to move to Glasgow Rangers.

“I have seen him progress from a boy to a man,” said Magilton.

“And he has done well at international level, which shows he could do it at Premier League level as well.

“But he has nailed his colours to the Rangers mast and he now sees himself as a Rangers player.”

Having signed two defenders in the past week - Gareth McAuley and Pim Balkestein - Magilton is still seeking further additions to his squad.

“There could be another signing this week,” said Magilton. “Alex Bruce has stepped up to the plate since his arrival and we have other central defenders Richard Naylor and Tommy Smith.

“But I am still looking to bring in back four players, looking at strengthening the midfield and sign a striker.

“We are gearing ourselves for the Premier League and I am only interested in players who can make an impression in the coming season.

“I am delighted with my two signings this week as we look to replace the likes of Jason De Vos, Fabian Wilnis and Sylvain Legwinski.”

Ipswich have to sort out their goalkeeping position with Shane Supple expected to start the season as number two, with last season's number one Stephen Bywater not expected to return to Portman Road after his loan period at Derby.

Magilton is still considering who to appoint as his new goalkeeping coach while he has had no interest for any of the five players he made available for transfer - Gary Roberts, Gavin Williams, Billy Clarke, Dan Harding and Matt Richards.

“Clubs will be back from the close season in the next fortnight and things might start happening then,” added Magilton.