x

Town Amongst Several Sides Eyeing Keeper Say Swedish Club - Ipswich Town News

Town are one of a number of British clubs to have shown interest in Hammarby IF keeper Johannes Hopf, according to the Swedish club’s sporting director Gustaf Grauers. The Blues, Swindon, Charlton and Hibernian are all said to have been eyeing the 6ft 5in tall stopper.

Grauers said: "I know there is interest, absolutely. I only know about foreign clubs - Ipswich, Swindon and Charlton in the Championship [sic] and Hibernian in Scotland.

"He's got one and a half years left on his contract. I know he has the ambition to play as high up as possible.

"In Sweden he naturally wants to participate in taking Hammarby to the Allsvenskan [top flight]. But if he can get a good contract at a club abroad he would like that. He's not trying to hide that fact. But there are no bids."

Hopf played youth and amateur football with Brösarps IF, IFK Simrishamn and Ystads IF before joining Hammarby IF in 2008. After a spell on loan with the linked Hammarby TFF in the lower regional leagues, he broke into the first team at the end of the 2009 season with the club already set for relegation to the Superettan (second tier).

He started the following campaign as deputy to Swedish international and former Arsenal man Rami Shaaban but ultimately took his place in the side and has subsequently established himself as the number one.

Town are very much in the market for a new keeper to join their only current senior glovesman Arran Lee-Barrett, with trialist Eldin Jakupović signing for Hull City on Sunday, while clubs abroad and agents are keen to generate UK interest in their players at this time of the year.

Manager Paul Jewell said on Thursday that he had "two or three other targets” aside from the Bosnian-born former Swiss international, who had previously been offered terms by the Tigers at the end of last season.

What to read next:

Azón 'Wants Future Settled This Week'
Blues loan target Ivan Azón hopes to settle his future this week with Valencia still his preferred destination, it is being reported in Spain.
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).