Town hold talks with Ameobi

Magilton aims to persuade striker to drop down to Championship

Last updated: 15th August 2008

ameobi shola

Ameobi: Set for Ipswich talks

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Ipswich Town have been given permission to hold talks with Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi.

The former England Under 21 international admitted earlier this week that he wants to play regular football this season and hopes Newcastle will not price him out of a move.

Though the two clubs have yet to agree on a fee, reports suggest Newcastle are willing to accept £2.5million for Ameobi, who is in the last year of his contract.

Town boss Magilton confirmed he is now aiming to persuade Ameobi to drop down to the Championship on a permanent basis following last season's loan stint at Stoke City.

Immense promise

"Newcastle have given us permission to talk to the lad and we have been in contact with his agent," Magilton told the East Anglian Daily Times.

"I leave the initial talks to Derek Bowden and if we get to a point of agreeing, then I will sit down and look him in the eye and see if he has the desire I'm looking for.

"Newcastle are looking to offload the boy as he is in the last year of his contract.

"He is a lad with immense promise, but at 26-years-old he needs to start fulfilling that promise.

"He didn't have a fantastic time on loan at Stoke, but he was probably hampered by an injury.

"It is up to him now. If he wants to hang around Newcastle and then be a free agent then fine, but if he wants to come here and show a desire to play at Championship level then we would be a club interested in him."