Turkey and Leicester City midfielder Muzzy Izzet has spoken of his desire to sign a new long-term contract with the Worthington Cup holders.

Izzet moved to deny claims that he will quit the Foxes at the end of his current deal, which has 12 months to run.

Izzet will hold further talks when he returns from Euro 2000.

Under the Bosman ruling, the former Chelsea player, currently in Turkey preparing for Euro 2000, could have left on a free transfer next summer.

But he has already held talks over a new deal with Martin O'Neill and the manager's departure to Celtic has not altered Izzet's desire to stay at Filbert Street.

He said: 'I can categorically state that I have never said I will run down my contract and then leave Leicester City.

'It is true that I have one year left of my current deal but rather than jump ship I intend to continue contract negotiations when I return from Euro 2000.

'I want to stay with Leicester City. I've had a brilliant time here and it is rubbish to say that I am now getting ready to pack my bags and leave.

'I am working on the basis that I want to stay not leave. I had contract talks with Martin O'Neill before he left for Celtic.

'Once Euro 2000 is out of the way I plan to resume those negotiations with the club.'

Izzet's commitment to the Foxes will be a massive boost to any new manager after speculation that O'Neill would turn to his former charges to bolster his squad at Parkhead.

Meanwhile, Scotland defender Matt Elliott has signed a new deal which will keep him at Filbert Street for four more years.

Elliott, the hero of Leicester's Worthington Cup final victory over Tranmere , has been constantly linked with a switch to Celtic since O'Neill took charge last week.

But the Scotland defender, who had three years of his current deal to run, put pen to paper on a new contract with a 12-month extension.

He said: ' We finished in the top eight of the Premiership and we are now looking forward to another crack at the UEFA Cup.

He spoke of his desire to link up with the club's as yet unknown new manager, and said that new arrivals would be on the way, funded by the sale of Emile Heskey to Liverpool.

'It has already been stated that the manager, whoever he is, will have the funds available from the Heskey transfer (£11million) to spend on new players which will add more depth to the squad.'