JIM Magilton last night confirmed that Darren Currie's future lies with Ipswich Town despite reports that Leeds United were interested in purchasing the 32-year-old for £250,000.

By Elvin King

JIM Magilton last night confirmed that Darren Currie's future lies with Ipswich Town despite reports that Leeds United were interested in purchasing the 32-year-old for £250,000.

Yesterday, Magilton took his players for their first day of pre-season training, and the new manager was delighted with the response from his squad.

He confirmed that Currie will be staying at Portman Road. “I am not surprised Leeds are interested in Darren as he is a very good player,” said Magilton.

“But I have not heard anything, and Darren is very much in my plans.

“If Leeds were to come in with a £2million offer then it might be different, but I don't see Darren leaving this club.”

Magilton revealed that he is not surprised that Ipswich have again been linked with Republic of Ireland international Matt Holland.

“Like Tommy Miller, Matt's name will come up now and again as he is a former Ipswich player,” said Magilton.

“Agents are on the telephone to me all the while, and this is the nature of their business.

“If Matt showed an interest in returning to Portman Road I would sit down and chat to him. At the moment he is working for the BBC at the World Cup.

“I am constantly on the look-out for possible new signings but the player has to be the right sort for Ipswich Town - and one who will improve the squad.

“I am sure the current bunch is good enough to make an impression on the Championship and I was delighted with the response of the players on the first day back.

“They are all aboard in what I am trying to achieve.”

Alan Lee, Matt Richards and Gavin Williams did not take part in the run around the training ground in untypical first-day wet conditions.

Lee should be fit for consideration for the Lazio game towards the end of next month after undergoing a stomach operation, while Richards should be training next week after picking up an injury last April.

Williams attended his brother's wedding yesterday but will be training today, having recovered from his knee problem.

“All the players start with a clean slate,” added Magilton, who had his squad back running again in the afternoon.