Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has issued a hands-off warning to any potential suitors of the club's top players this summer.

McCarthy has ruled out selling Bishop or Mings

After a good season for the Tractor Boys, which saw them reach the Sky Bet Championship play-offs for the first time in 10 years, a number of their important players, including top-scorer Daryl Murphy, have been linked with moves to  the Premier League.

But speaking to the club's official website, McCarthy remained optimistic that the club could hold on to their prized assets.

“I had a discussion with Marcus [Evans, club owner] yesterday about the players that might be targets,” he said.

“You are looking at Murphy, with 27 goals this season. Didz [David McGoldrick] is another. I had a word with him and he’s not looking to move. He wants to come back and get himself fit and show everyone what a good player he is again.

“He has been so disappointed with the injuries he has had over the last two seasons and feels he has a point to prove.

“I’ve spoken to Bish [Teddy Bishop] and Ty [Tyrone Mings] as well. I’ve pointed out to them that Cressy [Aaron Cresswell] played 140 or so games here and another 100 or so at Tranmere before he moved to West Ham.

“He was ready to make that move. He had done his time and he has gone there and won every player-of-the-year award going. He would not have done that if he had played 40 games here.

“So I’ve said to Bish and Ty, ‘you are staying here’. I want to progress. I don’t want to sell however much money is offered. I don’t want to lose our best players.

“I want young, fit and vibrant players to take us forward.”

This news will be warmly welcomed by Blues fans, who will want the team to strengthen and come back next season to stage a real fight for promotion.

But however adamant former-Wolves boss McCarthy may be to retain his players, he may face a tough challenge to do so.

Academy-graduate Teddy Bishop was earlier this month linked with a move to Manchester United, whilst The Mirror reported in January that Arsenal and Liverpool were amongst a number of teams interested in defender Tyrone Mings.

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