Mick McCarthy confirms Luke Hyam contract talks

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that the club have started contract negotiations with Luke Hyam.

A recent report claimed that the Tractor Boys were keen to tie the midfielder, who will be a free agent in the summer, down to fresh terms.

McCarthy has now revealed that he will trigger a 12-month clause in the 24-year-old's current deal, with discussions also underway on a longer contract.

"We've got a [12-month] option on him and clearly I'm going to take that up," the Ipswich boss told BBC Sport.

"We are in negotiations with him about a new contract. Whether he's happy with what we've offered him I don't know. [Chairman Marcus Evans] is dealing with it."

Hyam featured in last night's 2-1 win over Reading at Portman Road - a result that has lifted McCarthy's men up to sixth in the Championship.