HE is the mysterious owner who has ploughed millions into the Super Blues.

But there is one bill that even Marcus Evans is dreading – Paul Jewell’s phone bill after a summer of frenzied transfer activity by the Town boss.

Not that Evans is complaining after backing the boss to continue making the calls and bringing in new players to Portman Road.

The Town owner said: “I know Paul has spent most of the summer on the phone – I’m not looking forward to receiving that particular bill! – speaking to mangers and clubs in a bid to strengthen the squad and in turn, strengthen our chances of going up and I think the supporters have been excited by the players we have brought in.

“We added seven new faces before the season got underway and we have other targets down the line. If Paul feels we can get the right player at the right price then he knows we will do everything we can to make it happen.”

In addition to the likes of David Stockdale, Lee Bowyer and MIchael Chopra, Jewell’s phone is currently red-hot as he looks to add at least one new centre back to his ranks.

Former Reading defender Ibrahim Sonko has suggested on Twitter that Town have shown some interest but in truth, Jewell will be making enquiries about a number of options.

Away from players in, the Ipswich manager has moved quickly to pour scorn on rumours that Championship rivals Portsmouth were readying a �2 million bid for captain Grant Leadbitter, who is out of contract next summer.

Quite the contrary as Jewell confirmed: “There has been no bid for Grant and the owner and I are planning to sit down with him next week and offer him a new deal.”

After another frentic few days of speculation, not to mention the capture of new signing number eight Keith Andrews, all eyes will be on Portman Road to see if Town can overcome Hull City this afternoon and continue their excellent league start.

Speaking in today’s programme for the visit of Hull City, Evans, who pledged patience in Jewell’s first full season, added: “We couldn’t have asked for a better start to this season than last week’s win at Bristol City.

“The league remains our overriding priority and it will remain that way until we reach our continued goal of promotion to the Premier League.”