Ipswich Town transfer rumour: Blues and Bolton interested in Manchester City winger Bersant Celina

Ipswich Town could try and beat Championship rivals Bolton Wanderers to the season-long loan of Manchester City winger Bersant Celina, according to Sky Sports.

The 20-year-old was born in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, but moved to Norway at the age of two and represented his adopted homeland at youth level before becoming a full Kosovo international.

Having started at Norwegian side Strømsgodset – the club that Town allowed Jonathan Parr to join in 2016 – he joined Man City’s academy in 2012 before signing a three-year deal at the Etihad Stadium in 2014.

Celina, who has worked closely with Patrick Vieira in City’s Elite Development Squad, made his senior debut in January 2016, coming on as an 85th minute substitute in a 3-0 FA Cup third round win at Norwich City, then featured in games against Aston Villa, Leicester and Chelsea.

He spent last season on loan at Dutch top-flight side FC Twente, scoring five goals and producing five assists in 27 appearances.

It’s been reported that he has already met with Bolton manager Phil Parkinson and been given a tour of the Macron Stadium following the Trotters’ promotion to the second-tier.

“I know that Bolton are keen on signing me,” he confirmed to Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten. “But we’ll just have to wait and see what happens, there are other interested clubs as well.

“But I think Bolton would be a good club for me. It’s a club that belongs in the Championship or Premier League.”