Phillips emerges as possible Town target
BELGIAN international striker Emile Mpenza has been struck off the Ipswich Town hit list.But Championship hot-shot Kevin Phillips could soon be replacing him as a Blues target.
Derek Davis
BELGIAN international striker Emile Mpenza has been struck off the Ipswich Town hit list.
But Championship hot-shot Kevin Phillips could soon be replacing him as a Blues target.
Former Manchester City striker was linked with the Portman Road club by his agent and while Town did show a fleeting interest that has now been ended.
Town chief executive Bowden today said: “As you would expect we had a long list of players for various positions we know we need to strengthen. That has now been whittled down to a relatively short list and Mpenza is not on it.”
Ipswich are looking to bring in three or four new players over the summer, with a striker included in that.
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Bowden added: “The list will be added to again over the next few weeks as opportunities arise.”
A number of clubs have been alerted to the possibility of Phillips' availability after contract talks with West Brom stalled and while the Blues have not gone for him yet it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they would make a move for him if the 34-year-old wanted a move.
League One side Leeds United have been strongly linked to him but Phillips' agent Phil Smith said: “League One is not preferable and, to be perfectly honest, if it wasn't Leeds there would be nothing to discuss.
“It is unlikely that it would happen, and until we have spoken to West Brom we won't be holding conversations with anyone else.'
Phillips, voted the Championship's player of the season after his 22 league goals fired Tony Mowbray's Baggies to promotion, is seeking a new two-year deal but Albion are only willing to offer the veteran a 12-month contract.
Former Blues boss George Burley wanted to sign Phillips almost ten years ago but the bank at the time refused to stump up the cash.
Town winger Jaime Peters showed his goal-scoring touch as he helped Canada to a 2-2 draw against Panama.
Peters netted after going on as a tenth minute substitute in the friendly played at Fort Lauderdale.
