x

Jim Confirms Enquiry to West Ham for Wright - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton has confirmed that the Blues have made an enquiry to West Ham regarding former keeper Richard Wright. TWTD first reported that the Blues could look to Wright as a permanent successor to Neil Alexander back in March.

Magilton said: "Richard is a very good goalkeeper and I feel he would be at his best playing for Ipswich Town.

"There is no secret that I wanted him 12 months ago, but it did not happen, possibly because something was lost in translation.

"You will have to ask him if he made the right decision to move to West Ham, who were of course in the Premier League.

"An approach has been made, but it is early days and if it does not happen then we have other irons in the fire.”

In March, TWTD revealed that former keeper-coach Andy Rhodes had made a trip to see West Ham's reserves in action to watch the former England man.

Wright, who we understand is very keen to return to Town, came close to joining the Blues last summer but the club are understood to have stalled on completing the deal until the keeper's representatives had found a new side for Lewis Price, who has the same agent. Before Price's switch to Derby had been completed and with the new season approaching fast, West Ham came in and signed Wright from Everton.

Town are likely to have to pay a fee to the Hammers for the former Arsenal keeper, who is also interesting former loan club Southampton. However, the player is likely to prefer a move back to Portman Road, while the Blues could out-muscle the Saints in terms of finance.

Malcolm Webster's likely return to Suffolk is also likely to make Town a more attractive proposition to 30-year-old Wright. Webster is expected to leave St Mary's later this week with his re-appointment at Town tipped to follow.

What to read next:

McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in Challenge
Manager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.
McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look Great
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.
Palmer: It's Been a Really Successful Pre-Season
Town goalkeeper Alex Palmer has reflected on a successful pre-season campaign following the Blues’ 3-0 friendly victory over AJ Auxerre at the Stade Abbé-Deschamps.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and Cajuste
Town boss Kieran McKenna remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ approach for last season’s loanee Jens Cajuste and also Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney’s decision to remain with the Teessiders.
McKenna: We'll See How Broadhead Situation Pans Out
Manager Kieran McKenna says the Blues will “see how the situation plays out” regarding Wrexham’s interest in forward Nathan Broadhead.
McKenna: Hutchinson Not Mentally in Right Place For France Trip
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Brentford target Omari Hutchinson “didn’t feel mentally in the right place” to travel with the squad for this evening’s friendly against Auxerre in France.
AJ Auxerre 0-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Goals from George Hirst, Jacob Greaves and Ali Al-Hamadi saw Town to a 3-0 victory over French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. Hirst put the Blues in front on 38 and Greaves added the second with a header from a free-kick in first-half injury time, before Al-Hamadi added the third with five minutes remaining of the match.
AJ Auxerre 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from George Hirst and Jacob Greaves have given Town a 2-0 half-time lead against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.
Hutchinson and Davis Miss Out at Auxerre
Omari Hutchinson and Leif Davis are absent from the Blues squad facing AJ Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly this evening (KO 6pm local time, 5pm BST).
Hackney Turns Down Town Move
Blues target Hayden Hackney is reported to have turned down the chance to join Town from Middlesbrough.