Danny Higginbotham has brushed off rumours of a possible move from Stoke City to Ipswich. Ipswich boss Roy Keane was responsible for bringing the 30-year-old to Sunderland in 2007, only for the defender to re-join Stoke last September.

Higginbotham told the Sentinel: "This is where I have been happiest. I really enjoyed last season.

"These reports are pie in the sky and, besides, I don't see any reason why I would want to move.

"I played 30 games last season in the best league in the world and we finished 12th. Now I want to be part of the club's success for the next few years."