Middlesborough are to battle it out with Leeds United for Ipswich star Kieron Dyer.

Leeds boss David O'Leary is offering £5 million for the England under-21 international but Town are looking for somewhere nearer £7 million.

ow Boro boss Bryan Robson is set to offer £6million to outbid Leeds and has spoken to the want-away Ipswich midfielder.

Newcastle and Arsenal have also shown an interest in the past but neither has so far made a bid.

Dyer is training with the under-21 squad for Friday's game against Sweden, at Huddersfield.

Blues boss George Burley confirmed more than one club have shown an interest in Dyer but only Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has so far spoken to Ipswich chief David Sheepshanks.

Burley said: "We have had no concrete offers from clubs though quite a few have expressed an interest."

When Dyer goes, Burley will need a midfield replacement with Liverpool's Danny Murphy and Reading's Darrel Caskey seemingly heading the list.

Burley said: "We will need players to replace anyone that leaves. I will not speculate on other clubs' players. People keep throwing names around but until we actually sign someone, I will not get drawn."

Ipswich face competition from Norwich for Murphy's signature, who is valued at more than £1million.

Burley leaves for a family holiday on Thursday and is hoping to secure Bobby Petta's signature before then.

Burley said: "I will be speaking to Bobby and his agent in the next couple of days. I'm keen to keep him so I'm hoping we can agree a new deal."

Matt Holland laughed off suggestions he is about to leave for Southampton, Fulham or anyone else.

He said: "I don't know where these rumours come from.

"I'm happy at Ipswich. The manager keeps saying I'm the future captain of the club and that is great for me."

Holland had a new addition to his family over the weekend when his wife Paula gave birth to a baby boy, Samuel Ryan, who weighed in at 8lbs.

Town keeper Richard Wright was today training with the full England squad but will return to the under-21s in time for Friday's game.

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