Speaking to the Official Club Website, Royle said: "I don't want Jim to go and he knows that. He's an integral part of the team, an integral part of the dressing-room, our club captain and a great spirit that will be hard to replace here.
"But if he came to me and said he had a chance of the job and that he would like to talk to them, because of his position here, his age and the service he has given this Club, I would say I would consider it if you want it. Personally though, I don't want him to leave Ipswich Town."