IPSWICH Town's number one target David Norris has had his transfer request discussed at board level by Plymouth Argyle.But whether the Pilgrims accept it is still far from certain.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town's number one target David Norris has had his transfer request discussed at board level by Plymouth Argyle.

But whether the Pilgrims accept it is still far from certain.

Meanwhile Ipswich are bracing themselves for a formal bid from fellow Coca-Cola Championship side Burnley for striker Alan Lee.

Norris wants to move closer to his Peterborough birthplace, and his request to move was the only item on a board meeting agenda yesterday - with the decision still awaited.

Leicester, Southampton and West Brom are rivals for the 26-year-old midfielder, who Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock is loathe to lose.

Ipswich have the highest bid on the table, believed to be £1.7million raising to £2m, although Norris' previous club Bolton are entitled to have half the fee - although this is under discussion.

Sturrock and Norris were both missing from a Plymouth squad trip to HMS Albion yesterday.

Town manager Jim Magilton is keeping his fingers crossed that he gets the green light to speak to Norris, although it could be the summer before the midfielder is allowed to leave Home Park.

Owen Coyle, the Burnley manager, says that he has a number of options as he looks to replace striker Andy Gray at Turf Moor.

Lee is one of them although Ipswich have confirmed they have had no formal bid for the 29-year-old former Republic of Ireland international.

But it would be no surprise if one is forthcoming soon.

Town are looking at strikers as manager Magilton seeks to improve the strength of his squad during the transfer window.

And the Blues boss will want to have a replacement in place before letting Alan Lee go.

Coventry's Leon Best is a striker Magilton admires - as he did Gray whose wage demands are believed to have been out of the Ipswich reach - although Best, who has asked for a transfer, looks destined to sign for Nottingham Forest.

New signing Alan Quinn is having a medical today and his full transfer for £400,000 from Sheffield United could be completed tomorrow.

Central defender Gareth McAuley remains on Town's radar although no improved bid has been made.

With players coming in, Magilton is clearing the decks and has told George O'Callaghan he can leave on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old returned to Ireland yesterday to hold talks with Bohemians, St Patrick's and Cork City.

O'Callaghan, signed last year, made 12 appearances for Town scoring in the 5-1 win over Barnsley.

Reports suggest that Romanian club Steaua Bucharest want to take Town winger Jaime Peters on loan.

IPSWICH Town's fifth round FA Youth Cup tie against Aston Villa has been set for Wednesday, January 30 with a 7pm kick-off at Villa Park.