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Summer Le Pen Windfall? - Ipswich Town News

Town could receive a cash boost this summer should French winger Ulrich Le Pen switch clubs. Le Pen has had a fine season with Strasbourg and is reported to be interesting a number of other French clubs.

The 30-year-old joined the Alsace side permanently last summer having already spent a year there on loan. He left Portman Road for no fee but with a sell-on clause and cash due to the Blues should Strasbourg win a European place.

Strasbourg finished 13th of 20 teams in Le Championnat, a position some way off the European places, however, reports in the French press suggest that Toulouse and others may be interested in adding the former Lorient player to their squads.

Le Pen, who made just three sub appearances for Town after signing for £1.4 million in November 2001, has had an excellent season, scoring nine goals and assisting on seven. The local Alsace paper named him their player of the year.

Strasbourg are keen to keep hold of him and have offered a two-year extension to the remaining year of his contract. But with cash tight, a decent offer might force their hand, netting Town a windfall.

The Blues have a similar arrangement in place with Lazio regarding Matteo Sereni. The keeper joined the Rome club on a free transfer last summer but Town could see some money should he make a cash move.

As part of the deal Lazio also agreed to play two Portman Road friendlies, one of which could take place this summer.

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