x

Blues Among Clubs Linked With Liverpool Youngster - Ipswich Town News

Town are reported to be among a number of clubs eyeing a loan move for Liverpool midfielder James McConnell.

According to Lewis Steele, the Daily Mail’s Merseyside reporter, highly rated McConnell is set to sign a new long-term deal at Anfield before heading out on loan with the Blues, West Brom, Derby and German sides all interested.

The 20-year-old, who is missing the Reds’ Asia tour due to a minor knock, started out as an attacking midfielder but over the last couple of years has moved to a more defensive role.

Newcastle-born McConnell joined Liverpool from Sunderland as an U15 and has made one start - in a Champions League tie against PSV last season - and nine sub appearances for the Reds, among them the 2024 Carabao Cup final. McConnell, who is 5ft 9in tall, has also won one England cap at U20 level.

Town boss Kieran McKenna said at the weekend that the Blues need to add more to their midfield ranks with skipper Sam Morsy closing in on a move to Kuwait SC and Massimo Luongo and loanees Jens Cajuste and Kalvin Phillips having departed at the end of the season. So far, only Azor Matusiwa has been added to the midfield options.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards has insisted Blues target Hayden Hackney is committed to the Teessiders.

TWTD revealed earlier this month that Town are showing interest in the 23-year-old, who was given additional time off by Boro having been with the England U21s at the European Championship.

"H, as far as I'm concerned and aware at the moment, he's here and that's why he's playing and out on the pitch,” Edwards told the Northern Echo.

"He's fully committed. He loves this football club and we love him. He's a really good player, I thought him and Aidan [Morris] showed that in the first half [of Saturday’s friendly at Mansfield.”

What to read next:

Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.
Stanislas Appointed First-Team Coach as Town Add Set-Piece Analyst
The Blues have appointed former AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and West Ham winger Junior Stanislas as a first-team coach.
U19s Beaten in Second Game at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s were beaten 3-2 by Slovan Bratislava in their second and final group game at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Town Continue Pre-Season at Aberdeen
Town face Scottish Premiership Aberdeen at Pittodrie in their second public friendly of the summer this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Town Women to Start WSL2 Season at Southampton
Ipswich Town Women will open their first ever second-tier season with a WSL2 away game at Southampton on Saturday 6th September (KO 2pm) with Nottingham Forest the first visitors to the JobServe Community Stadium, the Blues’ new home, the following weekend.
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.