I’ll try and persuade Jonny Williams to join me, says Ipswich Town new boy Jonathan Parr

Parr yesterday completed a free transfer switch to the Blues following his release by the Eagles at the end of last season, the 25-year-old brought in to replace left-back Aaron Cresswell following his £3.75m sale to West Ham.

The Norwegian international revealed that Welsh international Williams was one of the first people he called, the creative midfielder having been a big hit at Ipswich during an end-of-season loan spell.

Williams is on a long-term deal at Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen whether he is in manager Tony Pulis’ plans – Welsh club Swansea having been linked with a move this summer.

“I spoke to Jonny Williams, who was here on loan last season of course, and he couldn’t speak highly enough of the club,” Parr told the club website. “Maybe I can get him to join me. I’ll give it a go. It could be fun!”

Parr, who was on the receiving end of a ferocious-but-fair Richard Stearman slide tackle on his last visit to Portman Road, continued: “I did my ankle at Portman Road, so not the best memory for me. Hopefully I can create some good memories in my time here.

“It’s been a long summer, trying to sort out where I’m going to play my football. I spoke to a number of clubs but I had a good feeling about Ipswich.

“I watched Ipswich play last season and they looked a good team. The manager told me what we wants from his team and how he’s looking to be pushing for a place in the top six.

“That’s where I want to be. Everyone wants to play at the highest level and I’ve joined Ipswich to help the club get in the Premier League.

“Having been here today and speaking to a lot of people, it looks a club that is all working together and that’s made me feel even better about the decision I have made.”

Parr will now join up with the rest of the Ipswich Town squad in Ireland for the first pre-seaon game of the season, against Dublin-based side Shelbourne on Saturday (3pm).