Striker Connor Wickham has signed a new contract aimed at keeping him at the club until 2013. The 17-year-old, who was previously contracted until the summer of 2012, has been the subject of intense speculation and has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs, but the new deal should bring an end to that, for the time being at least.
England U21 international Wickham told the club site: "I've been here since I was 12 years old and feel I'm at the right club to progress as a player.
"I'm enjoying my football at Ipswich Town and am looking forward to the future here and playing my part in helping the club reach the Premier League."
Paul Jewell, the new Town boss, added: "Connor is a terrific prospect, although we have to remember he's still only 17.
"He's got a lot of learning to do but he's got a good attitude and has shown he wants to do that.
"I'm looking forward to working with him and hopefully one day he will be playing in the Premier League - with Ipswich Town."
Town chief executive Simon Clegg was pleased to have tied the Hereford-born youngster to the club for a longer period: "We're obviously delighted that Connor has committed himself to the club by signing a long term contract. "He's viewed as a very good prospect by people at this club - and in the game in general - and we are now confident that we will see him in an Ipswich Town shirt for many years to come." Photo: ITFCWhat to read next:
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Town boss Kieran McKenna has named an unchanged side for this afternoon’s game against Preston North End at Deepdale with new signings Kasey McAteer and Chuba Akpom on the bench.