REPUBLIC OF IRELAND striker Daryl Murphy has signed a new two-year contract at Ipswich Town, ending speculation about his future.

Murphy, who was last season’s Championship top-scorer with 27 goals, was linked with a move away from Portman Road this summer with a host of clubs, including Middlesbrough, interested in his signature.

The 32-year-old has decided to commit his future to the Tractor Boys by penning a deal which will see him remain at the club until 2017.

“All summer I have heard the rumours and seen the stories in the papers and I’ve had my family and friends ringing me and asking me what’s going on,” Murphy said in a statement on the club’s website.

“I kept telling them I wasn’t going anywhere and not to believe everything they read in the papers. I was just trying to enjoy my holiday. I knew that I’d be here at Ipswich when I came back for pre-season and I’m just pleased now that it’s all out of the way.

“I have always said I’m happy and settled here and that has never changed. I have never thought about moving and now, having signed a new contract, I can put all that speculation talk to bed and look forward to the new season.”

Murphy moved to Ipswich from Celtic on a permanent deal in 2013 after spending two seasons with the Tractor Boys on loan.

He has made 14 appearances for Ireland and started in the recent Euro 2016 Qualifier against Scotland.

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