‘Maybe if someone drops a nest egg of money in here’ - Lambert on Gestede and Leadbitter links
Ipswich Town have been linked with moves for Grant Leadbitter and Rudy Gestede. Picture: PA - Credit: Archant
Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert says rumoured moves for Middlesbrough duo Rudy Gestede and Grant Leadbitter are out of the club’s financial reach.
A report on Teamtalk linked the Blues with a double swoop for experienced striker Gestede and midfielder Leadbitter – a former Ipswich captain who made 124 appearances for the Blues between 2009 and 2012.
The report says Middlesbrough’s summer interest in defender Jonas Knudsen has been revived during discussions over Gestede and Leadbitter, with the Teessiders said to be keen to move on a number of players in order to bring in new recruits.
MORE: ‘It’s the wrong structure... sheer madness’ - Lambert wants change to contract approach
But Lambert played down talk of the switch, insisting they are out of Ipswich’s price range.
“If somebody’s going to drop a massive nest egg of money in here then you might look at it, but I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he said.
“They are two good players, two experienced guys who have played at the top. I’ve spoken to a few lads and clubs to see if they would come and we need a bit of strength in there.
When asked if the duo’s wages would be beyond the Blues, Lambert replied: “Well, yeah. But that’s football.
MORE: Morris returning to Ipswich after Forest Green loan is ended early
“You can’t put the club in a position where you’re going to spend money because you can end up in ruins. I’ve seen it before.
Most Read
- 1 Historic former pub with permission to convert into homes set for auction
- 2 Ipswich Town installed as early League One title favourites
- 3 GALLERY: 'Stunning' turnout as Hadleigh Show returns after enforced break
- 4 5 new places to eat and drink in Woodbridge this year
- 5 Man dies after being found unresponsive in Sudbury river
- 6 Excitement builds as Suffolk Show venue wakes up
- 7 Homes destroyed after blaze breaks out in terraced housing
- 8 Mike Bacon: Luke Woolfenden.... going nowhere, going everywhere
- 9 'We're blown away' - Classic car show visits care home after roadworks setback
- 10 'I keep selling out' - Mum-of-two dreams of fudge shop as business thrives
“If it can’t happen, it can’t happen and you move onto the next one.”
Lambert continued: “Marcus (Evans) has been brilliant with me since I’ve been here and I have no issues with that,” he said.
“He’s put money into the club before and has helped me every way he possibly can.
“We’ll try our best to get the club out of the position it’s in and everybody’s working together which means a lot.”
The Blues are understood to be closing in on the signing of Hull striker Will Keane, with the 25-year-old likely to join on loan until the end of the season.
“There are loads of names out there at this minute in time and, hopefully if things go right, we’ll get a few in next week,” Lambert said when asked about Keane.