x

Town Watch Levante Striker - Ipswich Town News

Town and a number of other British clubs watched Levante draw 2-2 with Real Mallorca yesterday, according to reports in Spain. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Wigan, Cardiff and Town are claimed to have been watching striker or winger Riga.

Riga, real name Rahamat Mustapha, was born in Accra, Ghana but grew up in Holland. The 26-year-old was with Vitesse Arnhem, RBC Roosendaal and Sparta Rotterdam before joining the La Liga table-proppers in 2005. Prior to his switch to Spain, the Dutch press linked the former Holland U20 international with Town and a number of other Championship sides.

Levante are in crisis, certain for relegation and with current players and former coaches unhappy that they haven't been paid. Riga recently fell out with coach Gianni De Biasi after returning to the club late after the Christmas break and his departure during the transfer window — along with several of his colleagues - would come as no surprise.

Former Town target Laurent Robert settled his contract with the Valencia-based club in November after a row. Robert turned down a trial with the Blues and has since joined Derby County.

Meanwhile, Coventry striker Leon Best is also claimed to be interesting Town boss Jim Magilton. Best has handed in a transfer request and the Sky Blues have turned down a number of offers from Nottingham Forest for the former Southampton man.

A move to Forest for a fee in excess of their most recent bid of £1.1 million is expected to go through this week.

Plymouth are still to confirm whether David Norris has, as widely reported last week, handed in a transfer request. Town made a second offer for the 26-year-old on Thursday and there is the expectation in the South-West that Norris's departure is only a matter of time.

The Blues are reported to have offered either £1.75 million or £1.8 million depending on which newspaper you read, with Leicester said to be ready to make an offer of their own.

Burnley manager Owen Coyle says Town's Alan Lee is just one of a number of players he is looking at as a potential replacement for Andy Gray, who joined Charlton on Friday. Town have denied reports that they have accepted a £900,000 bid for the Irishman, who in any case is understood to want to stay with the Blues.

A Scottish-based Town fan has suggested that midfielder Mark Kerr may be the reason for the Blues' repeated trips to Scotland to watch Dundee United in action. Barry Robson and goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski have both been claimed as Town's target, but Jim Magilton has denied interest in either player.

Central midfielder Kerr, 25, was on trial with the Blues in 2001 when with Falkirk and was strongly tipped for a move into the Premier League. The Scotland B international has been with the Terrors since 2003.

Gary Roberts says he isn't interested in a return to Accrington on loan. His former club expressed their interest in re-signing the winger prior to the transfer window opening.

Elsewhere, Blackpool manager Simon Grayson says Town full-back Sito shouldn't have been sent off at Bloomfield Road on Saturday: "I thought it was harsh. I think one day soon you won't be allowed to tackle in football without getting your marching orders.”

What to read next:

Vote TWTD! - Football Content Awards Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the Football Content Awards 2025, giving you the chance to pay tribute to TWTD and other Town media you enjoy.
Youngster Mazionis Set For Cheltenham Loan
U21s central defender Jacob Mazionis is set to join League Two Cheltenham Town on loan.
U21s Face Skuse's Bury Town
Town’s U21s face Cole Skuse’s Bury Town at Ram Meadow this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Town Face Charlton at Colchester
Town continue their pre-season friendly programme when they host fellow Championship side Charlton Athletic at Colchester United’s JobServe Community Stadium this evening (KO 7.30pm).
U18s Host West Brom in First U18 Premier League Fixture
Town’s U18s will start their first ever U18 Premier League South campaign with a home game against West Bromwich Albion at Playford Road on Saturday 16th August (KO 11am).
Ndaba Completes Lecce Move
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba has completed his move from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock to Serie A Lecce.
McKenna: Hirst Primed For Good Season
Town boss Kieran McKenna believes striker George Hirst is “primed to have a good season” for the Blues, the frontman having netted three times in the Blues’ two public friendlies.
Hirst: Scotland Call-Up Has Made Me a Better Player
Town striker George Hirst says he has taken a lot from being in the Scotland squad and feels the international recognition has made him a better player.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town 'Willing to Pay Hackney £35,000-a-Week'
Town are reportedly willing to pay Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney £35,000-a-week, TWTD having revealed that the Blues had made an approach for the 23-year-old almost a fortnight ago.