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Ipswich Town transfer rumour: Turkish side linked with out-of-contract defender

Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik have claimed that their manager, Fatih Tekke, has approved two players to be signed by the club. One is Slavia Prague midfielder Christos Zafeiris, the other is Tuanzebe.

The report adds that Tekke sees Tuanzebe as a centre-back rather than a right-back, which is where he has played the vast majority of his minutes at Town.

The 27-year-old is out of contract this summer, meaning that he, like former team-mate Cameron Burgess, will be able to leave for free.

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The Blues have offered him a new deal to remain in Suffolk after relegation from the Premier League, but his future is still up in the air.

Speaking about his contract situation back in April, manager Kieran McKenna said: "Axel is someone who we, of course, we really like.

"He's an important player for us. I think it's been a great move for him and a great move for us. He's sort of rebuilt himself here after some difficult years.

"He's had some misfortune this year (with a freak thumb injury, two hamstring set-backs and a harsh red card), but he's generally in a much better place than when he arrived. I'd certainly like him to stay as part of the club. And I think there could be a lot of value and benefit in that for all parties concerned.

"But again, at the same time, Axel is a good professional and he's entitled to consider his future at this point of his career, and the club is entitled to do the same.

"I'm sure when a conclusion is reached there'll be a notification. But until then he's shown a fantastic commitment level, I have to say.

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"The way he's got himself back really, really quickly from his injury, got through the games last week - it's more than what any of us could have expected really. He showed his commitment to the cause.

"I know his full focus is on helping the team at the moment and the future will bring what it will bring.

"But if Axel can stay a part of the team, part of the club, then I'd certainly be very happy with that."

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