THE hunt for a ball-winning midfielder continues for Ipswich Town after being knocked back in their bid to sign Plymouth Argyle's David Norris.Blues boss Jim Magilton made a renewed attempt this summer to sign the 26-year-old, after initially failing last season.

By Derek Davis

THE hunt for a ball-winning midfielder continues for Ipswich Town after being knocked back in their bid to sign Plymouth Argyle's David Norris.

Blues boss Jim Magilton made a renewed attempt this summer to sign the 26-year-old, after initially failing last season.

But Argyle are determined to hang on to the sturdy midfielder, who can play all across the middle of the park, winning the ball, distributing well and weighing in with goals.

Magilton confirmed: “I spoke to (Plymouth manager) Ian Holloway about Norris but was rebuffed. It went to board level, but Plymouth made it clear he was not for sale, so that is the end of it for now.”

Norris has two-years remaining on his contract and is understood to be happy at Home Park, while Holloway has made it clear he will not welcome any approaches for the player he sees as the keystone to his team.

Norwich City, Stoke City and Crystal Palace are all known to be among the admirers of Norris, who started his career at Boston United before Bolton snapped him up for £50,000 as an 18-year-old.

He returned to York Street on loan before also having a temporary spell at Hull City, but was eventually sold by the Trotters to Plymouth for £25,000 in December 2002.

Town have recently added Tommy Miller to their attack-minded midfield, where competition for places is fierce.