IPSWICH Town boss Jim Magilton today confirmed that he has had a bid for Leicester City defender Gareth McAuley rejected.Magilton confirmed the move this morning while taking a break from preparing his side for tomorrow's Coca-Cola Championship match against fourth-placed Stoke City at Portman Road (kick off 3pm).

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town boss Jim Magilton today confirmed that he has had a bid for Leicester City defender Gareth McAuley rejected.

Magilton confirmed the move this morning while taking a break from preparing his side for tomorrow's Coca-Cola Championship match against fourth-placed Stoke City at Portman Road (kick off 3pm).

Having also had a one million pound plus offer for Plymouth midfield player David Norris also refused, Magilton said: “There are one or two other things going on but we must learn to be patient.

“I have watched Gareth play in the Northern Ireland side and have known him for a long while.

“He can play as a central defender and I have seen him do well at right back.

“We made a very good bid and we will be seeing over the weekend what our next step will be.

“Both McAuley and Norris will make us a better team and they are both still in our thoughts.”

Magilton confirmed that new club owner Marcus Evans is keeping a close touch on the January transfer window dealings.

Magilton said: “I give my recommendations to him and he either backs me or not.

“It is no different really to going to the board of directors as before. Mr Evans is involved but not in any other way than a club chairman would be.”

Magilton is waiting on Owen Garvan who is still suffering from flu and Liam Trotter is suspended after being sent off last Saturday.

Otherwise the Ipswich manager has a full squad to select from for the game against Stoke.

Magilton added: “They are a very good side and will not be bullied. They have a great work ethic and a method of playing that suits their players.

“And in striker Ricardo Fuller they have a real goal threat who we will have to watch.

“When he was on loan at Ipswich I thought he was a nice lad who perhaps should have played more at a higher level.”

Magilton is hoping that Stoke will have some of their focus aimed at next Tuesday's FA Cup replay against Newcastle.

He is hoping that perhaps one or two will have a close eye on that game as they will all want to play at St James' Park, and if they do then he is hoping his players will take advantage of that.

“It is another home game for us and we must get last Saturday's FA Cup defeat out of our system,” concluded Magilton.