TEENAGE Everton centre-back Shane Duffy has said he would welcome a loan move to Ipswich Town.

The 19-year-old Northern Irishman was on loan at Burnley last season and played in the club’s 2-1 defeat to Ipswich at Turf Moor in April.

Yesterday, writing on an account believed to genuinely be his on social networking site Twitter, the 6ft 3in defender said: “Hopefully a loan move will be sorted out soon for some first team experience!”

And after an Ipswich fan asked him if the Blues had shown an interest, he responded: “havent heard anything yet mate. Wud be a great move if it happened”

Town boss Paul Jewell is keen to strengthen his central-defensive ranks ahead of Saturday’s Championship opener at Bristol City. He currently has just three senior players in that position in Damien Delaney, Tommy Smith and Ivar Ingimarsson.

Of those three only the latter is right-footed, so Duffy – who operates on that side of defence – would help add some balance to the side.

Meanwhile, Ipswich have been linked with a move for Slovenian U21 international right-sided defender Alja� Struna. The right-sided centre-back, who can also play at right-back, currently plays for Slovenian side FC Koper where he plays alongside ex-Town defender Amir Karic.