Ipswich Town will look to complete the signing of former Sheffield United and Everton midfielder John Lundstram this summer, according to the latest reports.
The Tractor Boys have been a breath of fresh air in the Championship this season, currently sitting top of the table with three matches remaining, although Leicester City, who are one point behind, still have a game in hand.
Nevertheless, Kieran McKenna’s newly-promoted side are chasing back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League in the space of just 12 months to become the first team since Southampton in 2012 to do so.
The young head coach has implemented an easy-on-the-eye style of football which has made them the top goalscorers in England’s second tier across the 2023/24 campaign, making up for any defensive deficiencies on the pitch.
Clinching automatic promotion certainly isn’t confirmed yet for Ipswich Town. McKenna’s men still have to face Hull City and Coventry City away from home before hosting Huddersfield Town on the final day at Portman Road – three potentially tough fixtures.
However, the recruitment department are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window to bring new faces into the squad. One name linked with the club is Rangers midfielder Lundstram.
According to Turkish journalist Ezgi Alp, Trabzonspor, who are interested in signing the former England U20s international, have been put on hold as Ipswich have come calling for signature and are now favourites to acquire the 30-year-old.
Lundstram is out of contract in the summer and Alp is reporting that the midfielder is seeking a £1.7 million salary which has also halted any chance of him moving to Trabzonspor over the coming months.
Writer’s View
This wouldn’t be the worst option for Ipswich Town regardless of whether or not the side earns promotion to the Premier League. Lundstram has plenty of experience in the top-flight, the Championship and European football with Rangers which could be invaluable for McKenna’s squad.
Furthermore, the Liverpool-born player will be a free agent so the Tractor Boys only have to pay his wages of roughly £32,000 per week, meaning this is quite a low-cost, risk-free acquisition for the club.
