Shaun Goater is rumoured to be the target of a bidding war between a trio of English First Division clubs.

The Manchester City striker told in his exclusive column yesterday (Tuesday) that he had no intention of leaving the Blues when the Premiership transfer window opened today, insisting that boss Kevin Keegan, despite speculation he is about to spend ?7-million on Leeds' hitman Robbie Fowler, has not told him he is surplus to requirements.

That said the newspaper rumour mill in Manchester has been suggesting that Ipswich, Wolves and Preston will try to tempt the folk-hero away from Maine Road.

Both Wolves and Preston sounded out City last season when it was thought that the 32-year-old would not fit into Keegan's plans.

But Goater has confounded the critics and has proved himself capable of performing in the top flight, scoring five goals this term alongside Nicolas Anelka.

Ipswich's interest would be new but understandable given that their manager is Joe Royle - the man who brought Goater to Manchester from Bristol City in 1998.

Royle replaced George Burley at the Tractor Boys' helm earlier this season but has not had the transformation in fortunes he would have desired - the Suffolk side languishing in the lower reaches of the division.

Goater finished the division's top scorer when City clinched the First Division title last season and Royle will look to him to spearhead a late charge for the play-offs.