IPSWICH Town last night rejected a second attempt by West Bromwich Albion to buy Thomas Gaardsoe with the Dane also saying he has no desire to leave the Blues.

IPSWICH Town last night rejected a second attempt by West Bromwich Albion to buy Thomas Gaardsoe with the Dane also saying he has no desire to leave the Blues.

Town manager Joe Royle admitted Ipswich had spurned another attempt by the Baggies who made a slightly improved offer on the 'derisory' bid they made last week.

The EADT reported last week that the midlands club was about to make another attempt to sign the accomplished defender who can also play in midfield.

Royle said: "West Brom did come back with a little bit more but it is still nowhere near enough. They still retain an interest in Thomas but he is not someone we want to lose."

Nor is the 23-year-old Dane entertaining thoughts of leaving Portman Road.

He said last night: "I'm very happy at Ipswich. I have two years left on my contract and have no desire to leave. If the club were to accept an offer then I would look at it then, but so far I have not thought about leaving at all.

"I will have a chat with the manager as soon as I can to clarify things but all I'm focusing on at the moment is getting fit and getting back in the Ipswich team."

Gaardsoe is recovering from ankle ligament damage after falling heavily in the 4-2 win at Southend two weeks ago, but is making good progress and hopes to be ready in time for the season opener against Reading at Portman Road in 11 days' time.