x

Keane Looking for Two More Strikers - Ipswich Town News

Boss Roy Keane has confirmed that he is looking to add two strikers to his squad before the transfer window ends on August 31st. The Blues' boss was spotted at Watford on Saturday, with Hornets' frontman Tamás Priskin understood to be the reason for his trip.

Keane told the club site: In terms of numbers we are covered defensively and we are OK in midfield.

"I'd like to add to our attacking positions, though. We've got some good young prospects, lads like Connor and Reggie, Lee Martin can play off the front, Jon Walters can do a job there and obviously Jon Stead.

"Hopefully, Pablo will be back in the group soon when he gets over the injury, but maybe we need another one or two strikers in. There is a lot of work to be done though before that happens, trust me."

Keane, however, suggests that one move may not be too far from being completed: "There is the possibility something can be done in the next 24 hours."

That man may not necessarily be a striker though, with Keane saying that a midfielder is also on his radar: "I might be close to signing another midfielder in the next few days."

While no midfielders have been strongly linked in recent weeks, Celta Vigo youngster Joselu is another striker understood to be on the Town manager's wish-list. The 19-year-old is likely to command a fee of around €2 million (£1.7 million).

Meanwhile, Keane says the fee Town will receive for striker Jordan Rhodes from Huddersfield will reflect the 19-year-old's success with the Terriers.

Rhodes joined Huddersfield last week for a fee which will ultimately be worth £850,000 with the larger part of that cash up front.

Keane says the bid was too good to snub for a player who was most likely to be a regular sub rather than a starter this season: "The offer that came in was acceptable. I'm under no illusion that, unfortunately, I have to let one or two players go to bring in one or two of my own players.

"I have already paid out to bring in Lee Martin and Damien Delaney and the club spent decent money last year, so you can't hold on to everybody.

"As much as I think Jordan has a good chance, that will be reflected in the fee and what will come in for him over the next few years.

"It was certainly a difficult decision without a shadow of a doubt, but that is part of my job."

Chief executive Simon Clegg says the Blues will continue to consider bids if they are made: "We need to look at offers when they come in and when we get realistic offers even for good players then on occasions we are going to have to let those players go.

"I have made it clear that I intend to run this club on very tight financial reins, although this was a football decision. Roy and I work very closely on all of these matters."

Elsewhere, former Blues boss Jim Magilton says his squad at QPR is better than the one he left at Portman Road: "There is more quality here without any shadow of a doubt. There’s more quality all over the park and more experience too.

"The application and attitude of the players has been first class from the moment I arrived.

"We're now hoping to get off to a good start and build from there. I feel we're ready for next week now - the players have set the standard."

What to read next:

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.
U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.
McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.