x

Blues Reportedly Renew Interest in Woodrow and Watkins - Ipswich Town News

Town are reported to be battling Burton Albion for the signature of Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow - who was linked with a loan move in January - and are said to be one of a number of clubs chasing long-term target Marley Watkins, who is a free agent having left Barnsley at the end of the season.

According to the Daily Mirror the Blues and Brewers are fighting it out for Woodrow, who spent the second half of 2016/17 on loan at the Pirelli Stadium.

The 22-year-old, who made only one start and four sub appearances in the Championship for the Cottagers prior to his switch, in addition to two goals in three starts in the EFL Cup, looks to be surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage despite having another year left on his contract, which also includes an option for a further season.

The 6ft ½in tall striker made 11 starts and three sub appearances for Burton and scored five goals.

Woodrow played youth football with Spurs, Buckhurst Hill and Luton - with whom he made his first three senior appearances as a sub in the FA Trophy - before joining the then-Premier League Whites in March 2011 for a fee which was set to hit seven figures after top-ups.

Having spent time out on loan with Southend in League Two, where he made 10 starts and 12 sub appearances, scoring four times, Hemel Hempstead-born Woodrow made his Premier League debut for Fulham in a 3-1 defeat at Cardiff in March 2014.

In total Woodrow has made 28 starts and 37 sub appearances for the Whites, scoring 12 goals.

Also according to the Daily Mirror, four Championship clubs, Town, Cardiff City, Bristol City and Wolves, are fighting it out for wide midfielder or striker Watkins. However, Premier League Burnley are also said to be keen.

The 26-year-old was the subject of a £1 million Town offer last summer with the Blues showing further interest in January.

Quizzed on whether he might make a renewed summer move for Watkins in March, Blues boss Mick McCarthy kept his cards typically close to his chest: "I don’t know. We’ll see, he’s out of contract.”

Meanwhile, former Town striker Daryl Murphy could be allowed to leave Newcastle United as part of a summer reshuffle at St James’ Park, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.

Murphy, 34, joined the Magpies from the Blues for £3 million last August, signing a two-year deal, and went on to score five goals in nine starts and nine sub appearances as the North-East club carried off the Championship title.

What to read next:

Wark Joined By Burley at Portman Road Event to Launch Book
The launch of the new John Wark book He’s Here, He’s There is being celebrated with a prestigious event starring Wark himself and his Town and Scotland teammate George Burley in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite at Portman Road on Thursday 2nd October.
Town Look to Gazump Birmingham's Akpom Deal
Town are reported to have made a late approach to Ajax to try to gazump Birmingham City’s loan move for striker Chuba Akpom.
Muric 'Closing in On Turkish Move'
Town keeper Aro Muric is closing in on a move to Çaykur Rizespor, according to various reports in Turkey.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
McKenna: Barbrook a Big Positive, Trio of Youngsters to Be Assessed Over the Next Month
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says 20-year-old midfielder Fin Barbrook has been a been a “big positive” of pre-season and that decisions will be made on where he and fellow youngsters Cameron Humphreys and Elkan Baggott will spend their campaigns over the course of the next month.
Women Defeated By Wolves in Friendly
Ipswich Town Women kicked off their pre-season campaign against FAWNL Northern Premier Division club Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Martello Ground, Felixstowe this afternoon, but fell to a 4-1 defeat at their former home ground.
Town Women Sign Midfielder Baigent
Ipswich Town Women have signed defensive midfielder Sophie Baigent on a permanent deal from Hashtag United.
Neom Linked With New Cajuste Approach
Saudi Arabian club Neom are reported to have made a renewed move for Blues target Jens Cajuste.
Former Blues Defender Smith Joins Braintree
Former Blues centre-half Tommy Smith has joined National League Braintree Town.
Town Women Host Wolves in Friendly
Ipswich Town Women play their first public friendly of pre-season against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Martello Ground in Felixstowe this afternoon (KO 2pm).