Grant Leadbitter has stated his intent by rejecting a fresh contract offer form Ipswich Town.

The 26-year old midfielder, who arrived at Portman Road from Sunderland in 2009, is attracting the interest from Middlesbrough and Brighton & Hove Albion and feels it is time for a new beginning.

"I have turned down the offer of a new deal at Ipswich and I will be leaving at the end of the season," Leadbitter, who is out of contract in the summer, told Sky Sports.

"It was a really tough decision, but I feel I am ready for a new challenge at this stage of my career.

"I never spoke to Ipswich about finances; I just feel the time is right for a new challenge and a new experience.

"I would like to thank the club for bringing me here in the first place and I have had a great three years here.

"The fans have been brilliant and I have a lot of time for Paul Jewell and always got on very well with him and you see how hard he works for the club."

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