Leeds United transfer deadline day boost as club withdraw from Newcastle United defender race

Ipswich Town won't be pursuing a move for Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett, according to reports in East Anglia.

Football Insider has claimed both Ipswich and Leeds United are keen on a deadline day deal for the Dummett, whose two starts this campaign have come in Carabao Cup wins against Manchester City and Manchester United.

But The East Anglian Daily Times has played down Ipswich's interest. Their reporter Stuart Watson said: "We understand that Dummett was put to the Blues as a potential option, but that he was not a player of interest and those brief discussions went no further."

That could see Leeds get a clear run at signing Dummett, if their interest is indeed serious, although United boss Eddie Howe would be reluctant to lose the 32-year-old despite his lack of game time.

Speaking after Dummett helped Newcastle keep a clean sheet against Premier League champions Man City in September, Howe said: "I thought Paul was absolutely outstanding.

"I think when you see him behind the scenes every day; his commitment to Newcastle, the professionalism that he shows, his standards have been exemplary since I've been here. That's why I was so determined to keep him in the summer, he can still play an important role on the pitch. He's got real experience and a really good defensive mindset."

Dummett first made his debut for United 11 years ago. In that time, the defender has made over 200 appearances for his boyhood club, though only eight of those have come under Howe.

"The past few years have been tough, I've been fit for such a long time now and trained every day but not been in the squad," Dummett said last year.

"I know every day I just have to keep on working hard and when that chance comes, hopefully I can show the manager what I can do. If those chances come along again, I'll always do my best in the black and white shirt, today was no different and thankfully I could give my all and help the team win."