Arsenal’s Auston Trusty is one of a number of centre-backs interesting Ipswich Town this summer, we understand. 

Athletic, left-footed and 6ft 3in tall, Trusty – who can also play at left-back - moved to Arsenal from Colorado Rapids for a fee of around £1.5m in January 2022 before immediately being loaned back to his former MLS employers. 

The 24-year-old USA international has just enjoyed an outstanding season on loan at Championship club Birmingham City. He was voted Player of the Season by the club’s supporters after scoring four goals in 48 starts across all competitions. 

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Birmingham manager John Eustace enthused: “The way he has adapted has been exceptional as Auston didn't know the Championship. 

“He's been a pleasure to work with, his training standards have been very high, he never misses a day, and I think he's taken to the level quite easily. 

“You can see he's going to go back to Arsenal as a Premier League player.” 

It was widely reported back in May that Rangers were interested in Trusty, with a potential £2m price tag mentioned, with clubs in Holland also said to be keen.  

Town’s current central defensive options are Luke Woolfenden, Cameron Burgess and George Edmundson, with midfielder Dominic Ball having got minutes in that position during the opening two pre-season games. 

Corrie Ndaba has joined Kilmarnock on loan, with fellow academy graduate Elkan Baggott also set for another temporary spell away. 

Experienced Northern Ireland international Craig Cathcart is another defender understood to be under consideration following his release by Watford. 

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