IT is make or break time for David Norris and Ipswich Town.Blues number one target Norris has become unsettled by all the uncertainty surrounding his future while Ipswich stepped up their efforts to land him by making a second bid to Plymouth Argyle for the midfielder.

Derek Davis

IT is make or break time for David Norris and Ipswich Town.

Blues number one target Norris has become unsettled by all the uncertainty surrounding his future while Ipswich stepped up their efforts to land him by making a second bid to Plymouth Argyle for the midfielder.

The second offer, understood to be around £1.75m, is a cash only deal and has no player part-exchange involved, unlike Southampton who have offered £1m plus Czech Republic midfielder Mario Licka.

Norris has handed in a transfer request while his dad, David senior, has publicly criticised the club for not holding talks with him about his future or offer him an improved deal.

But the Plymouth board appear ready to take a hard line and with 18 months to run on his contract Norris could be forced to stay until at least the summer.

Paul Sturrock is known to be fiercely opposed to accepting the Albion bid and last night board members were close to deciding to reject Ipswich's improved offer.

Magilton said: “We have made a very good offer so we will see. I can understand Paul Sturrock not wanting to lose a very good player.”

While Town are determined to land Norris, Magilton is aware that time is running out and is ready to swiftly switch his attentions elsewhere.

He said: “I would love to say I have a deadline but I don't although it is getting close.

“We have identified our targets and we have others waiting in the wings.”

Although nothing has been heard back from the second bid, Town are ready to up their offer for Gareth McAuley at Leicester City.

Magilton confirmed: “I will probably go in and make another bid for McAuley.”

There is also a strong possibility that a fourth bid will be launched, although Town are determined not to sign someone just for the sake of it.

Town have been linked in Norway with Estonian international left-winger Joel Lindpere but the Blues have shown no more interest at the moment than to look at a DVD of the Tromso player sent in by an agent.

Magilton also confirmed he is not after Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor who did well on loan at Norwich.

He also denied that he was chasing Barry Robson or Neil Lennon who Town were linked with yesterday, while trialist Ricardo Fernandes has returned to Portugal.

WHILE Town are looking to strengthen, Magilton is also fighting a rearguard battle to keep his stars.

Jon Walters signed a new four year deal ending speculation that he would be on the way and he has issued a hands off warning to clubs sniffing around Danny Haynes.

Magilton joked he would take £5m for birthday boy Danny Haynes when asked if £3m was enough for the striker who celebrates his 20th birthday today and the manager turned the question back on me and asked how much I would take for him.

I said I would hang out for £5m and with a twinkle in his eye and tongue in cheek, Magilton said: “At the going rate I would hang out for £5m too.”

Reports emanating from London suggest West Ham are ready to make a £3m offer for the teenage Blues forward.

However, Magilton does not have to sell and has no desire to lose the quick-silver striker who today celebrates his 20th birthday.

Magilton said: “Danny is a young player who has done very well.

“He has grown in confidence and that comes from playing regularly and having a little bit of success so he has grown.

“The speculation has not hurt because it gives good players a lift and being linked with Premier League clubs has given him a lift.”

While Haynes is among the players who he wants to keep there are a number of his squad he would happily allow to go, either for a fee or on loan for experience but he is finding it just as hard to ship players out as he is bringing in new signings.

Magilton said: “I have not had a single offer for one of my players as yet.”