x

McCarthy: Maitland-Niles to Sign Today - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that he expects to confirm the signing of Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles on a season-long loan today.

The Blues squad were in for the first day of pre-season training this morning - photos of the squad in action will follow - but with Maitland-Niles’s deal still to be formally completed the 17-year-old was unable to join his team-mates at Playford Road.

However, McCarthy expects the deal to be sorted this afternoon: "I’m going to speak to him today if everything’s fine. [He’ll be on board] today, I hope."

Having sold Tyrone Mings to AFC Bournemouth for an initial £8 million last week McCarthy has cash to spend but was staying typically tight-lipped on which areas he will be looking to strengthen and any potential targets.

"None that I’m prepared to share with you or anywhere else, or how many because that’s just nonsense telling you that.”

In addition to new signings such as Maitland-Niles, Brett Pitman, Ryan Fraser and anyone else he adds to his squad, McCarthy also wants to see some of the players who came in over the course of last season make an impact.

"I hope the lads that we’ve got that we didn’t see last year, Dylan Connolly, who was excellent in the U21s, I’m hoping he’ll flourish as well, and Alex Henshall, who has come back flying," he added.

"He’s had a personal trainer, I think he’s set his stall out. He had a good end to the season, so I’m hopeful for him as well.”

What to read next:

Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
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.