New Ipswich Town manager Paul Hurst will need to add width to his squad for next season. ANDY WARREN looks at some potential signings.
PREMIER LEAGUE LOANS
Ryan Kent (Liverpool)
Kent’s stock has fallen somewhat in recent times but the talent is known to be there, with Jurgen Klopp a big admirer.
He started last season in the Bundesliga with Freiberg and ended it at Bristol City, with the Robins said to have been fined ‘£300,000’ for not including him in squads the agreed amount of times.
The 21-year-old is likely to be given the chance to impress Klopp during pre-season but another, hopefully more profitable, loan away is thought to be on the cards.
Harry Wilson (Liverpool)
The 21-year-old Wilson joined Hull on loan in January and managed seven goals in just 13 Championship games following the move. One of those goals came in Hull’s 3-0 win at Portman Road.
Despite being highly regarded at Anfield the left-footer is set to be available for loan again this season as he looks to continue his development. May be out of Ipswich’s reach, given Steven Gerrard’s Rangers are said to have shown an interest.
Bersant Celina (Manchester City)
Could an Ipswich return be on the cards for Bersant Celina?
The Kosovan created his own goal of the season competition at Portman Road last season, with a host of long-range stunners, but is now back at his parent club where he is looking to force his way into the senior side.
That looks unlikely, given the wealth of talent at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, but it remains to be seen where Celina ends up. Could well be loaned abroad, just as he was in 2016/17 when he played for FC Twente.
Marcus Edwards (Tottenham)
A potential move for a young winger dubbed ‘mini Messi’ could be something of a gamble given his recent record.
His talent is not in question, hence the nickname, but his attitude is. Indeed, his loan at Norwich last season consisted of just one game, with attitude issues set to be the cause.
Ipswich have a good relationship with Tottenham, so could the Blues be the ones to tame him?
FREES
Mustapha Carayol
The well-travelled winger showed flashes of his true ability during his six-month stay at Portman Road, which was disrupted by a series of injuries.
Was not offered a new deal, in part due to Town’s continuing search for a manager, and is now a free agent.
He likes to run at defenders, can play on either flank and shoots on sight. But does his injury record make him too much of a risk?
Kazenga LuaLua
The 27-year-old signed for Sunderland in January after his Brighton contract was cancelled, but only managed six appearances before being released at the end of the campaign following the Black Cats’ relegation.
On his day he can cause problems for defences at Championship level but, like so many wingers, the criticism is that day does not come consistently enough.
Could potentially provide the x-factor missing from Ipswich teams of late, though.
Adam Hammill
Former Liverpool youngster Hamill is now a free agent following Barnsley’s relegation to the third tier.
Now 30, he’s a tricky customer who relies on guile as much as speed, but only managed one goal last season.
Has been linked with a move to Australian side Perth Glory already this summer.
Ross Wallace
He may now be 33, but the Scot has been one of the most consistent players in the Championship in recent years.
Released by Sheffield Wednesday as they Owls look to lighten their wage bill, but sill managed to play 31 games last season.
Has also been known to score long-range stunners.
LOWER LEAGUE GEMS
Gwion Edwards (Peterborough)
The Blues have already, somewhat speculatively, been linked with a move for the Posh Welshman already this summer.
The 25-year-old is right footed but has featured on both flanks during his career, which began in Swansea’s youth system and continued at Crawley, netting seven times in 33 appearances for Peterborough last season.
He is also into the final year of his contract.
Alex Rodman (Shrewsbury)
A player Paul Hurst is incredibly familiar with, given Rodman was part of his promotion-chasing Shrewsbury side last season.
At 31 he is a little older than many on this list, but Hurst has shown age is no barrier, using a number of experienced players in this position both at Shrewsbury and Grimsby.
He dropped into non-league from Aston Villa’s academy having also previously given up football for golf as a teen, but has adapted well each time he has climbed further up the pyramid. Currently considering a new deal with the Shrews.
Tarique Fosu (Charlton)
The 22-year-old is quick, comfortable on the ball and likes to run at his man. He contributed nine goals for the Addicks last season, including a hat-trick at Fleetwood.
Came through the Reading youth system and spent the 2016/17 season at Colchester prior to his move to The Valley.
Contracted until the end of next season.
Jodi Jones (Coventry)
Primarily left-footed, Jones is capable of playing on either wing and likes to run at his man, as well as pick a pass into the strikers.
Scored a hat-trick on the opening day of last season before a knee injury cruelly ended his campaign in November.
His side will be in League One next season following their promotion via the League Two play-offs.
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