x

Town and Canaries Chasing Rigters - Ipswich Town News

Town and Norwich City are keen on taking Blackburn Rovers striker Maceo Rigters on loan for the remainder of the season, according to reports in his native Holland. The 24-year-old has rarely played for the Premier League side after joining them from NAC Breda in the summer.

Rigters has made only two sub appearances in the Premier League this season in addition to two starts and three games from the bench in cup competitions. The former U21 international is understood to be desperate to go out on loan.

The 5ft 10 in tall 24-year-old is a graduate of Ajax's youth academy and played for Heerenveen and Dordrecht prior to signing for NAC in 2004.

Rigters scored in last summer's European U21 Championships final as Holland beat Serbia 4-1, was the competition's top scorer and was named in the Team of the Tournament.

The Canaries are understood to be favourites for his signature at the present time, but with the Blues carefully watching developments.

Boss Jim Magilton says he is continuing to look for loan recruits: "I'm confident of landing at least one, maybe two, of three international players with Premier League clubs before the deadline.”

Fulham's David Healy is claimed to have turned down the Blues and a number of other clubs interested in taking him on loan by one of this morning's papers, while fellow Cottager Dejan Stefanovic is again linked with Town. The Blues' unlikely bid for former striker Darren Bent is unsurprisingly said to have failed.

Goalkeeper-coach Andy Rhodes was present at last night's West Ham-Reading reserve game in which a number of senior players were in action.

If Rhodes was checking out central defenders then Michael Duberry and Ibrahima Sonko, who scored an own goal, were in action for the Royals. If he was looking at strikers, Dave Kitson netted for the visitors, while winger Kyel Reid, who Jim Magilton admitted interest in earlier in the season, was in the West Ham line-up.

Town might also be in the market for a goalkeeper in the summer if Stephen Bywater fails to impress during his loan spell. Adam Federici was between the sticks for the Royals, while a certain Richard Wright was initially down to play for the Hammers but was replaced by youngster Adam Street at the last minute.

What to read next:

Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.