IPSWICH TOWN: Connor Wickham is set to miss the start of next season after being included in England’s provisional squad for the Under-20 World Cup in Columbia next summer.

The 17-year-old striker helped England win the European Under-17 European Championship last summer and has already played for the England Under-21 side.

Now living just outside Ipswich with his family after moving from Colchester, Wickham will be the subject of intense transfer speculation next month when the January transfer window opens.

Liverpool have watched the player with increasing interest this season although the youngster’s progress this term has been hampered by injuries.

Ipswich have put a valuation on his head and if an offer comes in – above �6million – a deal is likely with Town chief executive Simon Clegg confirming that any transfer fee would be reinvested in strengthening the Blues squad.

“There has been much speculation but there are no offers on the table for Connor,” said Clegg at this week’s annual general meeting of Ipswich Town PLC.

“It is clear that the manager, the owner and myself do not want Connor to leave, but every player has his price.

“If we do receive an offer above our valuation then I expect that money to be reinvested in new players.”

Manager Roy Keane has no doubts that Wickham can become a top player. “There are not many around like Connor,” he said.

“But it might be eight years before he reaches his full potential.

“You’ve got to be careful not to get blase about Connor and say ‘we’ll take �7m or �8m for him’.

“There is a certain figure we’d have to consider. I think Connor and his agent would have that as well.

“Manchester United had to buy Wayne Rooney for �28m when he was 18.

“Can Connor be as good as him? I think he has the potential.”