NIGEL Reo-Coker will not be staying at Ipswich Town after rejecting the chance to sign a contract extension until the end of the season.

Having activated a relegation release clause at Bolton last summer following their drop from the Premier League, the 28-year-old midfielder eventually signed a three-month deal with the Blues in October.

After making nine starts and three substitute appearances for the club, manager Mick McCarthy offered him the chance to extend his deal until the end of the campaign.

The former West Ham and Aston Villa man asked for longer though and, as a result, was left behind for today’s goalless draw in Cardiff – the last game he had been available for.

“He’s not staying,” said McCarthy. “I spoke to him yesterday. Fair play to him, he came in suited and booted and ready to go with the team, but he wants a longer-term contract and I understand he might have some other offers.

“I said ‘that’s fine, if that’s the case then go home and I’ll go with the lads that I’ve got’.

“He’s been great around the place, but we didn’t want to offer anything long-term. We just wanted to offer something to the end of the season.”

Luke Hyam partnered Guirane N’Daw in central midfield today, with Andy Drury their main competition.

McCarthy says he still wants to add some more new additions to his squad before the end of the January transfer window – preferably permanent signings.