STEVE Davies has revealed he could have joined Ipswich Town up to 10 minutes before putting pen-to-paper on a �750,000 deal with divisional rivals Bristol City.

But the 24-year-old striker admitted he was put off a move to Suffolk by the fact negotiations between Ipswich and Derby County had dragged on for too long – and that he felt the Rams were reluctant to do business with the Blues.

Davies has been targeted by Paul Jewell for most of the summer and we understand the striker was keen on a move to Suffolk.

The Town boss was confident of a bid, believed to be for Davies, being accepted on Thursday, before revealing 48 hours later that it had been turned down.

While the club refused to comment on individuals during yesterday’s press conference ahead of the match against Watford tonight, Davies has suggested Town remained in the hunt until the dying moments.

He said: “I still could have joined Ipswich up to 10 minutes before signing for Bristol City. But it had gone on a little bit too long and I felt Derby were not keen to do business with Ipswich.

“I am flattered that Ipswich were interested but my mind was made up from the moment Derby gave me permission to speak to Bristol City on Sunday night.”

The hunt for Davies first started in early June with Ipswich and Derby initially poles apart in their valuation for the striker, who top-scored for the Rams last season with 12 goals. While discussions continued throughout pre-season, both Jewell and his counterpart Nigel Clough remained defiant over the fee – allowing Bristol City boss Derek McInnes to swoop.

Jewell will now turn his attentions elsewhere while also hoping he has more success after submitting an offer for Rangers midfielder Edu.