x

Nelson's Town Move Off, Set to Join Fulham - Ipswich Town News

Town’s late loan move for Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson is off with the winger now set to join tomorrow’s opponents Fulham on loan with the window now closed with the Blues not having added to their senior ranks on deadline day.

The Blues were in advanced talks with the Gunners regarding the 24-year-old but we understand the discussions broke down.

Three other clubs were keen and Fulham subsequently agreed a deal in the final minutes of the window with papers submitted close to the deadline with the authorities expected to rubber-stamp the loan switch overnight.

That means there was no incoming move at Town on deadline day with the Blues not having been able to add another striker to their ranks.

Town manager Kieran McKenna said earlier today that it was "less likely than likely” that the Blues would add a striker than likely and that has proved to be the case.

Talks with Chelsea regarding the loan signing of Armando Broja were revived following the move's collapse yesterday but once again that failed to come to fruition with Town walking away as they were unable to agreed a revised deal.

Subsequently, long-term admirers Everton moved for Broja and are believed to have agreed a deal along the lines of Town's initial terms, although reportedly with an option for a £30 million permanent deal next summer rather than an obligation, which broke down after an achilles injury, which will keep the frontman out of action for around seven weeks, emerged during his medical.

The Blues made an enquiry to Middlesbrough regarding Emmanuel Latte Lath but took the matter no further than that.

The late move for Nelson was a surprise and evidently got some way down the line before the talks broke down.

Town's only addition was young midfielder Tudor Mendel, whose signing for the development squad from Anderlecht will be confirmed next week.

Elsewhere, Freddie Ladapo left the club having had his contract settled, while Marcus Harness joined Derby County on loan and George Edmundson completed a loan switch to Middlesbrough in the final minutes of the window. Young winger Leon Ayinde moved to National League Rochdale on loan.

With no new striker signed, Ali Al-Hamadi has remained at Portman Road, despite interest from Derby and other Championship clubs, and will be the third frontman behind Liam Delap and George Hirst.

The three exits and no 13th summer addition of the summer means the Blues are now at 25 senior players for the 25-man Premier League squad.

In total, Town spent £102.5 million on fees during the window, almost certainly more than has been paid out in the club’s history up to the end of last season.

Speaking earlier today, McKenna summed up his thoughts regarding the window overall, the Blues having made 12 signings.

What to read next:

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).
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.