BLUES boss Joe Royle last night played down reports that Ipswich are in the race to sign highly-rated Scottish forward Alan Gow.Royle, though, did admit that a number of clubs had made enquiries about some of his players, although no firm offers have been made.

BLUES boss Joe Royle last night played down reports that Ipswich are in the race to sign highly-rated Scottish forward Alan Gow.

Royle, though, did admit that a number of clubs had made enquiries about some of his players, although no firm offers have been made.

Town are closing in on a new signing, with Royle making a move for two players earlier this week with the intention of taking one.

But he denied one of those players was 22-year-old Airdrie United forward Gow, who has netted four goals in 11 league games this season for last season's Scottish Division Two champions.

He said: "Gow is not one of the two I have asked about taking. Nothing has happened as yet but there is no rush. I heard about the possibility of their availability and went from there."

Gow, who is being tracked by Spurs, Crystal Palace, Hearts and Rangers, is out of contract in the summer, has not signed a new deal which has been offered by United and would be available for between £50,000 to £100,000.

Airdrie turned down a bid of £100,000 from cash-rich Gretna, leaders of Scottish Division Two, but that was due more to politics between the two clubs.

Royle, who has postponed a knee operation due today, returned to Ipswich last night after a spell in the north-west.

He, and Ipswich Town, have been fielding calls from a number of clubs asking about their players, but with no firm bids made as of last night, Royle was staying tight-lipped about who and where from.

Only Pablo Counago is known to be available, while Darren Bent has attracted interest from a number of clubs.

Bolton have not followed up their interest in Shefki Kuqi with a call to Town yet, although Wanderers' scouts are known to have been tracking him for weeks.

Another rumour that persists is that Graham Stuart will be an Ipswich player before the end of the month. Royle has denied that but the situation could change if one of the existing Town midfielders were to be tempted away.

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