Town ace could be Italy bound

Reports claim Alex Bruce will not be offered a new deal at Ipswich and could be heading to play his football in Serie A.

The 24-year-old, Jim Magilton's first signing, is due to run out of contract next June and it is thought the defender could discuss a move during January's transfer window.

Magilton has confirmed that Bruce still figures in his first-team plans but reports in Italy claim he won't be offered a new deal, with interest in the player from Serie A.

It's claimed Bruce has been recommended to clubs in the Italian top flight by the Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

Chief executive Derek Bowden said: "Jim Magilton, first team coach Bryan Klug and myself have held initial discussions regarding extending, or not extending, player deals.

"With the January transfer window coming up, we will probably wait and see what transpires before having final discussions."