Kuqi Snubs Finns - Ipswich Town News
On-loan striker Shefki Kuqi is snubbing adopted nation Finland's international call-up for their friendly with Canada on October 11th. The Sheffield Wednesday player would rather stay with Town and work towards winning a permanent deal with the Blues.
Town manager Joe Royle has welcomed his decision to stay behind: "I was thinking we would have to go into our league game at Bradford without Shefki, but he is adamant he won't be going. He is looking after our interests by not playing for Finland."
Town and Wednesday are understood to have agreed a fee reported to be £250,000 should Joe Royle decide he wants to sign the 26-year-old permanently at the end of his three-month loan spell.
Meanwhile, one of Kuqi's international team-mates, keeper Mikko Kaven, has been linked with Town by the Norwegian press.
Kaven, who previously played for Norwegian club VÃ¥lerenga, is currently with Finnish side Tampere United, a pre-season opponent of Town in seasons past.
However, with Kelvin Davis signed over the summer it seems unlikely that the Blues would be looking for another stopper, particularly given the current financial situation.
A number of other Division One and Premiership sides are also said to have been keeping tabs on the 28-year-old.
What to read next:
Town Women Beaten By BladesIpswich Town Women failed to claim their second WSL2 win in successive weeks, losing 3-2 to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this afternoon, ending the game with 10 women.
Kipre: It's a Special DayTown goalscorer Cédric Kipré says he is immensely proud to be a part of the first Blues side to defeat Norwich City in more than 16 years after a 3-1 victory in the East Anglian derby at Portman Road.
Ipswich Town 3-1 Norwich City - Match ReportTown’s long wait for a derby victory finally came to an end as goals from Cedric Kipre, Jaden Philogene and Jack Clarke saw the Blues beat Norwich City 3-1 at Portman Road. Kipre gave Town the lead in the 32nd minute with his first for the club, but Oscar Schwartau levelled for the Canaries three minutes later, only for Philogene to smash home one of the greatest ever East Anglian derby goals just before half-time. Town had plenty of chances to seal their win after the break with Clarke finally bringing the 16-year wait for derby glory to an end when he netted the third 13 minutes from time.
Ipswich Town 2-1 Norwich City - Half-TimeJaden Philogene’s fifth goal in three home games has given the Blues a 2-1 half-time lead over Norwich City at Portman Road, Cedric Kipre having put Town in front prior to Oscar Schwartau levelling for the visitors.