Ipswich Town are looking to enjoy a strong final month of the summer transfer window as they prepare for a Championship promotion push. ITFC want to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking after relegation in 2024/25.
To achieve such a feat, Kieran McKenna will be eager to retain his remaining stars, but the addition of some new standouts is required too, especially in midfield.
ITFC - Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
Some notable departures leave the Tractor Boys short on options, and one ambitious target has been Middlesbrough man Hayden Hackney. The club saw a bid for the 23-year-old accepted by Boro, leaving the ball in the player’s court.
Now though, a new report from The Northern Echo states that Hackney has now turned down a move to Ipswich Town.
It is said that the Redcar-born midfielder travelled down to Suffolk for talks only to turn down the proposed move. That decision has been relayed to Middlesbrough, and they have subsequently closed talks with ITFC over a deal.
Other clubs could come in for Hackney and he may move elsewhere, but at the time of writing, Town are the only club to have made a formal offer this transfer window.
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Ipswich Town focus must turn elsewhere, and fast
The Ipswich Town squad is pretty well-stocked, but after a variety of departures this summer and at the end of last season, McKenna is left with a threadbare midfield.
Sam Morsy saw a move to Kuwait FC sanctioned, while Jens Cajuste and Kalvin Phillips’ loans expired at the end of the season. Reports are now saying a deal has been agreed to bring Cajuste back on a new loan-to-buy deal from Napoli, but even if he does sign, more depth is a must.
Ipswich Town midfield options
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Summer signing Azor Matusiwa makes for a strong option in the middle while Jack Taylor will be dependable if called upon. Youngster Cameron Humphreys may well be hoping for opportunities off the back of a fruitful Wycombe Wanderers loan too.
However, more depth is a must, especially with ITFC targeting promotion, and nothing less.
ITFC - Ipswich Town loan man Jens Cajuste
Image courtesy of: DAVID KLEIN/REUTERS.
Could Hayden Hackney still leave Middlesbrough?
It has been said that Hackney remains happy at Middlesbrough and his focus will now switch to preparing for the start of the season with them.
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Despite the rejection of a move to Ipswich Town though, there is still a strong chance he exits.
There had been talk of a potential Manchester United hijack as they target another midfielder, while a host of other Premier League and European sides have had eyes on Hackney and could make a move closer towards the end of the window.
It would be a deserved move for Hackney, who has more than proven himself at Championship level, but time will tell just how his situation pans out with an ITFC switch seemingly unlikely to be revived.
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