Contract talks going nowhere - Norris

DAVID Norris inspired Ipswich Town to another terrific win on Saturday, with lowly Sheffield United the victims, and yet still the club skipper has heard nothing about a potential new contract.

Livewire Norris bagged the second in a convincing 3-0 win over the Blades, sandwiched by a first-half opener from Damien Delaney and then a wonder strike from Connor Wickham late on.

Portman Road was still buzzing, long after the final whistle, due to Wickham’s sensational solo goal, but the alarm bells are still ringing with regards Norris’s long-term future.

Town’s midfield maestro is top scorer with nine goals this season, but his current contract expires this summer, when he will then be available on a free transfer to move elsewhere.

“The contract talks are not going at the moment,” revealed Norris.

“I had an initial offer two months ago, but it wasn’t quite right for me.

“I was hoping for three years, but it was only two years, and I haven’t heard one thing since.

“I’m settled here and I’ve never said that I want to leave. I haven’t signed anything with anyone else, when I possibly could have.

“It’s just a bit frustrating because I don’t know 100% where I stand. Do they want me to stay and sort a deal out? Or do they want me to stay until the end of the season and then I go?

“I’m in a strong position, but sometimes the grass isn’t always greener,” added Norris, who was targeted by Portsmouth and Crystal Palace during last month’s transfer window.

Meanwhile, Town are now up to 14th in the Championship table, and 10 points clear of the relegation zone, following a third successive league win under new boss Paul Jewell.

Over the last fortnight, Jewell has masterminded wins over Doncaster (3-2), at Derby (2-1) and now Sheffield United, who are stuck in the bottom three.

“I should be named manager of the week,” joked Jewell.