IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell has rubbished reports that skipper Grant Leadbitter is set to join Championship rivals Portsmouth in a �2m move.

National newspapers speculated that Pompey had bid to bring Leadbitter to Fratton Park in order to link him up with David Norris again in central midfield.

However, Jewell – who signed midfeilder Keith Andrews on loan from Blackburn this week – has moved quickly to insist that the former Sunderland man is central to his plans.

“There has been no bid for Grant and the owner (Marcus Evans) and I are planning to sit down with him next week and offer a new deal,” said the Blues boss.

Leadbitter, who is heading into the final year of his contract, was made captain by Jewell this summer following Norris’ departure.

– For full match previews of this afternoon’s game between Ipswich and Hull, see today’s EADT and Evening Star.