x

Middlesbrough and Sheffield United Linked With McAuley - Ipswich Town News

Town central defender Gareth McAuley is being targeted by Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, according to conflicting reports this evening. One national newspaper claims the Northern Irishman is on the verge of joining Boro on loan, while another says the Blades are set to make a move.

McAuley, recently replaced as captain by Alex Bruce shortly after boss Roy Keane denied reports of a bust-up, was understood to be the subject of a £1 million offer from Middlesbrough, who Town face on Saturday, close to the end of the transfer window.

The Blades are said to see McAuley as a replacement for Matthew Kilgallon, who is expected to leave Bramall Lane in the near future.

Town targeted Sheffield Wednesday’s Richard Wood during the transfer window and it’s unlikely that manager Roy Keane would allow McAuley to leave unless the Blues had secured another experienced central defender. The 29-year-old is contracted to the Blues until the summer of 2011.

From Tuesday of this week, Football League clubs were able to loan players from other English sides for up to 93 days.

What to read next:

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.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.
Blues Beaten By Hammers in Behind Closed Doors Friendlies
Town played two 60-minute behind-closed-doors friendlies with West Ham United at their Rush Green training ground this afternoon.