Ipswich are in the market for another midfielder, but the Tractor Boys have hit a number of stumbling blocks in their search.
Kieran McKenna’s side lost captain Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo to Millwall this summer following their relegation to the Championship. They then re-signed former loanee Jens Cajuste from Napoli, as well as Azor Matusiwa. However, Ipswich’s move for Middlesbrough talent Hayden Hackney fell through.
Town then put in a bid for Newcastle’s Lewis Miley, but Sky Sports reported on Tuesday evening that the Magpies had rejected the approach, with Eddie Howe and co. wanting to keep Miley despite signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa.
There are plenty of other alternatives still available before the transfer window slam shuts, and EFL Analysis has taken a look at who Ipswich could bring in to beef their midfield options up – with one free agent being the perfect fit.
Lewis Cook (Bournemouth)
The first player Ipswich should consider bringing to Portman Road is Lewis Cook. The 28-year-old Bournemouth star offers a more experienced option in midfield.
The Mail recently reported that Cook was on a list of potential targets alongside Miley this summer.
Cherries boss Andoni Iraola has lost a number of stars this window, and may need to wait for reinforcements until letting the former Leeds man go out on loan.
He is yet to play this season after picking up a medial collateral ligament injury in pre-season, but after recovery he would be a great fit in Suffolk given his 139 Championship appearances and history of getting promoted from the second tier. He also featured 36 times in the Premier League last term.
Lewis Cook for Bournemouth
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Philip Billing (Bournemouth)
Cook’s Bournemouth teammate Philip Billing is another midfielder Ipswich have on their list, as per The Mail report.
Billing spent the second half of last season on loan with Napoli to help them win another Serie A title while Cajuste was at Portman Road.
Whether the 29-year-old would be happy to accept limited game time is another question, with Jack Taylor another option McKenna has at his disposal.
However, given Napoli didn’t activate their option to buy put in when he signed on loan in January, and he missed out on Bournemouth’s opening match day squad last week, it could suggest the Cherries will want their £45,000-a-week player to be out playing football. Billing and Ipswich would work well together right now.
Philip Billing for Bournemouth
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Josh Brownhill (Free Agent)
Dara O’Shea is Ipswich’s new captain, but that doesn’t mean that the Suffolk side wouldn’t benefit from having more leaders in the dressing room following Morsy’s exit.
Former Burnley captain Josh Brownhill is still a free agent going into the final days of the window, and it’s surprising no one has snapped him up yet.
He made 44 appearances for the Clarets in their promotion winning campaign last season, but left the club for a new venture despite being offered a new deal by the Lancashire club.
Yet to hit 30 and clearing possessing a desire to make a new exciting step in his career, Ipswich should sign him up.
Brownhill for Burnley
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images