Ipswich Town have matched Birmingham City’s offer for Ajax forward Chuba Akpom leaving the decision of his future in the hands of the 29-year-old, according to Anthony Joseph.
Ipswich Town are determined to make an immediate return to the Premier League following last season’s relegation, and they’re already shaping up well for the challenge. While Kieran McKenna’s ITFC squad boasts plenty of quality, there’s still room for improvement, and the manager is eager to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer window closes.
So far this summer, four new signings have arrived at Portman Road, with Azor Matusiwa standing out as the most notable addition. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder joined from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais for a reported £7.8 million.
ITFC - Ipswich Town home ground Portman Road
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
The Tractor Boys have been dealt a big blow over the last week with midfielder Hayden Hackney rejecting a move to Portman Road. However, that has not stopped them in their pursuit of new signings, and a new deal has been agreed.
According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, ITFC have agreed a deal with Ajax to sign Chuba Akpom. The Tractor Boys have matched the offer of Birmingham City for the forward.
The deal is a loan with an obligation to buy for £7m if ITFCare promoted. Akpom had been set for Birmingham City medical today bit that has now been delayed.
The decision of his future is now up to Akpom, with a choice of either Ipswich Town or Birmingham City. Middlesbrough had also tried to hijack the move for their former star, but they are currently out of the race.
ADVERTISEMENT
Since the departure of Liam Delap, Ipswich Town have been on the hunt for another striker. McKenna’s side had been heavily linked with many forward, including Marc Guiu, who was wanted by West Brom in January, but he is now set for Sunderland.
If they do win the race for Chuba Akpom then they will finally have found their man. Akpom will be excellent competition for George Hirst and would even give McKenna the option of playing the two together.
Chuba Akpom’s stats by league – via Transfermarkt
ADVERTISEMENT
|||||
ipswich town, Ipswich Town match Birmingham City deal for sought-after striker
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Akpom has had a mixed time in the EFL in the past, with poor loan spells with Coventry City and Hull City. However, if he can reach the form of his last season with Middlesbrough, ITFC will have found a top Championship forward.
A choice to make for Chuba Akpom
Both Ipswich Town and Birmingham City are expected at the top end of the Championship this year. It will be interesting to see who he opts to join this summer.
Gametime may not be guaranteed at Birmingham City, with Jay Stansfield already at the club, along with summer signing Kyogo Furuhashi. To make things more interesting, the two clubs face off on the opening day of the season this Friday.
Hull City set to win free agent striker race amid Sheffield United, Ipswich Town interest
ADVERTISEMENT