New Verheyen Bid - Ipswich Town News
Reports this afternoon are suggesting that Town could be about to launch another bid for long-time target Gert Verheyen. The Belgian international was watched by Town scout Romeo Zondervan yesterday afternoon as he starred in Club Brugge's 6-0 win over Racing Genk.
Verheyen scored two and created three in the home win and took his goal tally for the season to 17.
Town made their first bid for the Belgian back in October, but the Belgians refused to sell despite the player's stated wish to come to Town. Since then there have been several reports that the Blues have made fresh attempts to sign the 30-year-old.
Recently Club Secretary Jacques De Nolf said that Club Brugge may be willing to do a deal for Verheyen: "Things have changed. When Ipswich Town made a bid for Verheyen, that offer came at the worst possible time, as we were still in contention for the title. That's different now. There haven't been any offers so far, but we are willing to talk."
There is also talk of a new deal being offered to the Belgian by Brugge. It was reported back in October that he was only on around £25,000 a year at present, a figure he would almost certainly at least triple should he move to Portman Road. The attacking midfielder or striker is rated at around the £1.6 million mark.
It is being reported that George Burley will pick up the Manager of the Year award this evening at the League Managers' Association dinner at Leamington Spa this evening.
It is understood that the Town boss has fought off Gerard Houllier and David O'Leary to win the award which usually goes to Alex Ferguson.
What to read next:
McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in ChallengeManager 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 GreatBlues 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.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and CajusteTown 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.
AJ Auxerre 0-3 Ipswich Town - Match ReportGoals 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-TimeGoals 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.