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Town to Watch Icelander - Ipswich Town News

Town are amongst a number of clubs who will be keeping an eye on Icelandic youngster Kolbein Sigthórsson at this month's European U17 Championship finals in Belgium. The Blues, Reading, Blackburn and West Ham are all sending scouts to watch the striker in action.

Sigthórsson, 17, was the star of the qualifying phase, scoring six goals in three games, including four in a 6-5 victory over reigning European U17 champions Russia.

Previously, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSV and Ajax have all been mentioned in connection with Sigthórsson, who currently plays for HK Kópavogur in his home country. Sigthórsson is understood to prefer to a smaller club rather than one of Europe's giants.

Last season, he helped his side to promotion to Iceland's top division, scoring two goals in five games in their senior side, having netted an astonishing 18 times in six matches for their U19s and 10 goals in nine games for their reserves. He is yet to sign a professional contract and could move on a free transfer.

Town have good connections in Iceland with former Blue Hermann Hreidarsson having recommended players to the academy in the past. Several Icelanders have spent time on trial at Playford Road over the last few years, while goalkeeper Ã"skar Pétursson and midfielder Björn Orri Hermannsson became full-time scholars before returning to Icelandic clubs.

Last summer, Town missed out on the signing of another promising young Icelandic striker, Viktor Unnar Illugason, who initially agreed to join the Blues but changed his mind and moved to Reading. Sigthórsson is currently keeping Illugason out of the Iceland U17 side.

Iceland play England in their opening European U17 Championship finals game on Wednesday in Ronse. Town defender Tommy Smith was included in the England squad but recently suffered a calf injury which may scupper his involvement. Belgium and Holland make up the rest of the group.

Town will also use the competition as a general opportunity to take a look at the continent's best young talent.

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

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