Town hope to sign Bruce to new deal

Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town have bowed to fan pressure and offered Alex Bruce a new two-year contract - but it may not be enough to keep the popular defender.

The Blues backtracked on their stated policy to not offer any new deals to any of the 14 players out of contact in the summer until at least March or April by approaching Bruce with a new deal.

The club spoke with his agent last week. No deal was offered then and he began talks with Leeds United.

But Town moved swiftly yesterday when it became clear Iv�n Campo would be out for up to three weeks with a calf strain by announcing they were ready to hand Bruce a new contract, which would keep him at Portman Road until the summer of 2011.

Bruce has not accepted the offer and while it is known he is keen to stay at Ipswich Town he is also looking for parity with some of the better earners at the club and it is understood that this deal falls some way short of that.

Town boss Jim Magilton has constantly stated that the club did not want to give contacts to any of the 14 players until the season was almost offer, as had been the case when he was a player.

But Town fans have made it clear they wanted Bruce to stay. They have chanted 'sign him up' whenever he has played and will be delighted at the club's U-turn although a better offer may be needed to keep the 24-year-old.

Town chief executive Derek Bowden last night said: “We have been holding talks with Alex's representative over the past week or so and I can confirm that a new two-year contract has been offered."

Other out of contract players will be looking to secure new deals now, especially midfielder Tommy Miller and club captain Richard Naylor, along with back up keeper Shane Supple.

Campo is another player whose contract expires in the summer, although the club do have a one-year option on him.

A number of out of contract and fringe players will be playing for Blues reserves tonight in a re-arranged game with Wycombe Wanderers at Marlow tonight, 7pm kick off.