FORMER Ipswich striker Alun Armstrong has rejected an approach from Colchester.The Essex outfit, who have lost top scorer Scott McGleish to Northampton, sounded him out about a move to Layer Road.

FORMER Ipswich striker Alun Armstrong has rejected an approach from Colchester.

The Essex outfit, who have lost top scorer Scott McGleish to Northampton, sounded him out about a move to Layer Road.

But manager Phil Parkinson's interest in a player he has watched on numerous occasions, in the Ipswich reserve side, was soon cut short.

Armstrong, released by Joe Royle last week, made it clear he wants to stay in the First Division – and ex-Town boss George Burley could offer him a career lifeline.

It was Derby boss Burley who paid Middlesbrough £500,000 for the player in December 2000 and he could swoop again in the close season.

Birmingham's Stern John is his main summer target, but Burley has never concealed his admiration for Armstrong and even tried to sign him on loan last term.

A move to Layer Road would have suited the 29-year-old striker from a domestic point of view. He is based in Tattingstone and joining Colchester would have avoided him having to uproot his family.

But he believes he can still perform in the First Division and Burley, now in charge of Derby, is one of several managers monitoring the situation.

Stoke's Tony Pulis and Ronnie Moore, currently in charge of Rotherham but being linked with the vacancy at Burnley, are both keen admirers of the big striker.

Armstrong bowed out with an appearance in Ipswich's play-off KO by West Ham at Upton Park last week.

He was introduced as a half-time substitute for his 94th and final outing, then given confirmation that his contract would not be renewed.

Armstrong netted twice for Town last season, when he made just five senior starts and a further four appearances off the bench.

That took his tally for the club to 19 in his 94 outings, 35 of which were as a substitute.

Meanwhile, teenage goalkeeper Lewis Price has signed a new contract to extend his stay at Portman Road by a further two years.

Dutch midfielder Nabil Abidallah, who has been trying to get himself fixed up in Holland since his release by Town, is weighing up a contract offer from Den Haag.