Ipswich Town remain interested in Middlesbrough midfielder Sam Morsy heading into the final few hours of the summer transfer window, we understand.

The 29-year-old, who captained Town boss Paul Cook’s Chesterfield and Wigan teams, is the leading target as the Blues look to add muscle to the centre of midfield.

There is significant work to do if Town are to convince Boro to part with a player who has started three of their five Championship games so far this season, and then persuade Morsy to drop back into League One. He has two years remaining on his contract.

One hurdle in any deal for Morsy looks like it will be cleared in the coming hours, with Middlesbrough said to be close to signing Rennes midfielder James Lea-Siliki on loan for the season. But there are no guarantees Neil Warnock will then allow the Ipswich target to leave.

Ipswich have other potential midfield options should a move for Morsy not materialise, with the engine room a primary focus ahead of tonight’s deadline.

Meanwhile, reports on the south coast have linked Ipswich with a loan move for Millwall right-back Mahlon Romeo.

Portsmouth are looking to sign the 25-year-old today and, while he is understood to have been discussed by Ipswich this summer, is not a player the Blues are considering before the deadline.

While right-back has been an area of considerations in recent days, it's understood the centre of midfield remains the priority.

Town have already added to their squad on deadline day, completing the loan signing of Bersant Celina.