IPSWICH star Jermaine Wright is a target for several Premiership clubs, it was confirmed today.But the 28-year-old midfielder's agent, Jonathan Barnett, is refusing to rule out the possibility of his client signing a new contract to extend his stay at Portman Road.

IPSWICH star Jermaine Wright is a target for several Premiership clubs, it was confirmed today.

But the 28-year-old midfielder's agent, Jonathan Barnett, is refusing to rule out the possibility of his client signing a new contract to extend his stay at Portman Road.

Barnett, one of the most high profile advisers in the game, said: “Ipswich are trying their absolute best to keep Jermaine on board.”

The London-based agent would not reveal which clubs are on Wright's trail, but it is understood that Southampton are one of them.

Barnett also represents 20-year-old Town striker Darren Bent, who is not short of top-flight admirers and could attract close season bids.

“Only Ipswich can decide Darren's future,” said Barnett. “He is under contract to them and it will be up to them how they handle any offers that may come in.

“Darren is certainly not saying he wants to get away - he is just heartbroken that he failed to do himself justice as he and Ipswich missed out on promotion to the Premiership.”

Meanwhile, vice-captain Wright is one of seven players to be offered fresh deals by Town boss Joe Royle before he went on holiday two days ago.

In all cases the players are being asked to take a significant cut in salary as Town battle to slash their wage bill to £5 million.

It is a familiar situation for Barnett as he attempts to thrash out a deal with Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks.

Barnett also acts on behalf of Richard Wright, Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Matt Holland, all of whom have departed Portman Road in recent years.

He said: “We are negotiating with Ipswich at the moment and our talks are going quite well, but there are obviously other clubs who have expressed an interest in Jermaine, some of them in the Premiership.

“We are looking at ways of him staying at Portman Road, but I don't see the situation being resolved in the short term.”

Town's senior out-of-contract players have yet to commit themselves, although defender Chris Makin has agreed a two-month deal while he completes his recovery from injury.

Once back to his sharpest, the former Sunderland star will be given a new contract to see him through to next summer.

Teenage goalkeeper Lewis Price happily signed a new two-year contract on Thursday.

But John McGreal, Fabian Wilnis, Richard Naylor, Jim Magilton and Wright have still to commit themselves to the lower terms on offer.