Royle confirms Williams interest

Ipswich manager Joe Royle has confirmed that he would like to sign on-loan Hammer Gavin Williams on a permanent basis.

Williams joined Ipswich on loan at the beginning of November on a two month deal. Having impressed during his first month with the Championship outfit, it is a deal that Royle would like to make permanent - despite his valuation being somewhat lower than West Ham's asking price for the former Yeovil midfielder.

"I would sign Gavin if I could and West Ham have already given us a price guide," confirmed Royle. "But it will need a change in our finances for it to happen.

"We are attempting to restructure some of our debt and the chairman is close enough with that to have mentioned it at last week's annual general meeting.

"The revenue that comes from the FA Cup will also help. We should have a good crowd against Portsmouth and all the profit will go straight into the football budget."

West Ham are thought to value Williams at around £250,000 - the same figure they paid for his services a year ago today.