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Town Target Ex-Crawley Winger Roberts - Ipswich Town News

TWTD understands the Blues are among a number of clubs targeting the signing of former Crawley Town winger Jordan Roberts on a free transfer. The 24-year-old, who is also believed to be interesting Bolton and Hearts, left the Red Devils at the end of last season having previously been among the players new Blues boss Paul Hurst was chasing during his time at Shrewsbury.

Roberts was a youth player with Peterborough and Aldershot before breaking into senior football with the Hampshire side, playing in both League Two and the National League during four seasons and making 68 starts and 24 sub appearances, scoring 12 goals. He also won two England C caps, scoring once.

Early on during his stint with the Shots he also had short spells in non-league on loan at Havant and Waterlooville, Tamworth and Bishop’s Stortford before eventually joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a permanent basis in 2015.

After one season in the Scottish Premiership - nine starts, four sub appearances and three goals - the Watford-born wideman moved on to Crawley on a free transfer.

During his two seasons at the Checkatrade Stadium Roberts, who is 6ft 1in tall, made 42 starts and 20 sub appearances, scoring 11 goals.

Roberts caught the eye of Blues boss Hurst during his time as Shrews manager and he made an unsuccessful attempt to sign him on deadline day in January.

He eventually left Crawley at the end the season and a week ago was reported to be close to making a return to Scotland to join Hearts having visited the Edinburgh club and been given a tour of Tynecastle and their Oriam training ground. Bolton Wanderers are also said to be keen.

Elsewhere, AFC Wimbledon striker Lyle Taylor, who had been linked with the Blues among a number of other clubs, has joined League One Charlton Athletic.

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