LEE Martin has a big decision to make on his future over the coming days.

The EADT understands that the winger – who is rapidly approaching the end of the lucrative four-year contract he signed when Roy Keane purchased him for £1.5m from Manchester United – has been offered a new deal, but on significantly reduced terms.

The 26-year-old’s time at Portman Road has been blighted by ill-discipline, injuries and inconsistency, but McCarthy likes his unquestionable work-rate.

It’s now up to the player to decide whether he wants to stay and fight for his place – with McCarthy understood to be interested in wide men Alan Judge (Notts County) and Kenny McLean (St Mirren) – or whether he feels he needs a fresh start and departs on a Bosman free transfer, following in the footsteps of David Norris, Gareth McAuley and Grant Leadbitter.

Meanwhile, the EADT understands that keeper Arran Lee-Barrett and midfielder Andy Drury will be released when their contracts expire this summer.

Ipswich-born Lee-Barrett, 29, has made just 42 appearances in four seasons, alternating between second and third choice custodian.

Drury has been a valuable squad player since Paul Jewell signed him from non-league Luton in January 2011.

The 29-year-old has made 44 starts and 18 substitute appearances for the Blues, scoring twice.

A regular starter during Town’s impressive run of form over the Christmas period, he has slipped behind Luke Hyam and Guirane N’Daw in the pecking order of late.

McCarthy is keen to further mould his own squad this summer and it remains to be seen if he will listen to offers for fringe players heading into the final year of their deals – the likes of Michael Chopra and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – in order to raise funds.

The Blues boss is keen to sign successful loanees Richard Stearman, Jay Tabb, N’Daw and Murphy, with the latter three all soon to be free agents.