Whisper it quietly, but Ipswich Town fans are starting to dare to dream of a much improved season in 2017/18, as the club have embarked on an uncharacteristic early summer signing spree, capped by Tom Adeyemi’s signature.

While Mick McCarthy has thus far been forced to rely on wheeling and dealing for bargains, free agents and veterans in his time with the Blues, this summer has seen impressive moves made early.

Town have already signed £1m striker Joe Garner, defender Jordan Spence, top target midfielder Emyr Huws and confirmed on Friday night that exciting, goal-scoring midfielder Tom Adeyemi had signed on a two-year deal, with an extra year option.

His signature was a major coup for the club, the 25-year-old being courted by a host of Championship clubs, including bitter rivals Norwich City.

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Young Manchester City winger Bersant Celina is also expected to sign on a season long loan this week.

Adeyemi said: “I have known about the interest from Ipswich for a while but it picked up over the last few days and having spoken to the manager, it was an easy decision to come here.

“I didn’t need to speak to anyone else. I know what a great club Ipswich is. I know about the history.

“The manager told me about his plans and how I fitted in and I have always admired him from afar as well.

“They were all key reasons why I wanted to come here but Ipswich showed the most interest in me as well and that was important. I wanted to join a club that I felt really wanted me and I felt that about it here.

“I know the club have signed a few players lately so there is a bit of a re-building going on and I’m delighted to be part of that.

“It’s a fresh start for me. It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to taking on - to produce some good football here and play my part in helping the Club compete at the top end of the table.

“It’s a very competitive league but we will start with ambitions of finishing in the top six.”

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Off the field, the club also revealed on Friday that they’re approaching fellow Championship sides with a reciprocal deal to cap away ticket prices at £25.

It’s much needed good PR for a club which is coming off its worst season in 58 years, and got criticised for raising season ticket prices again despite the poor footballing fare on offer at Portman Road.

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The transfer business is unlikely to be finished yet either - McCarthy perhaps still looking to add another striker to the mix before the big kick-off.

It’s still early of course, but with the Blues set to kick-off their pre-season games in Ireland next Saturday, for the first time in a while, fans have reason to be positive.