x

Bowditch West Ham Link - Ipswich Town News

A tabloid newspaper is linking striker Dean Bowditch with a £1 million move to West Ham. The Hammers have recently been regulars at Portman Road with midfielder Owen Garvan also amongst their targets.

Rumours regarding Bowditch's future first surfaced last week but Town boss Joe Royle was quick to reiterate that the 19-year-old is still very much in his plans. The striker signed a new contract in January this year which runs until June 2008.

TWTD understands that the Blues have offered Garvan a new deal in time for his 18th birthday in January but the young Irishman is stalling on signing it.

Academy players below 18 are not allowed to sign lengthy deals and Garvan's current deal is up in the summer of 2007.

Elsewhere, the Blues are reported to be making an attempt to sign West Ham midfielder Carl Fletcher on a three-month loan. This suggests reports on Friday suggesting Town had failed in a bid last week were incorrect.

Boss Joe Royle is keen to sign a midfielder on loan as cover for Ian Westlake while he is out injured. Fletcher left Watford after a one-month spell last Monday.

What to read next:

Ajax 'Putting Pressure on Akpom to Join Birmingham'
Ajax are reportedly putting pressure on Blues target Chuba Akpom to join Birmingham City on a permanent deal rather than Town on a season-long loan.
Safe Standing Removed From Block E
Town have removed the rail seating from Block E of the Cobbold Stand.
McKenna: New Skipper O'Shea Has Shown Leadership and Strength of Character
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Dara O’Shea’s “leadership and strength of character” is what led him to appoint the Irish international the club’s new captain.
Town Announce Squad Numbers
Town have confirmed their squad numbers for the season ahead with new signings Cedric Kipre and Azor Matusiwa handed number four and five respectively and Ashley Young 15.
U21s to Host Derby in Opening Premier League 2 Fixture
Town’s U21s will host Derby County in their first Premier League 2 match on Friday 15th August (KO 7pm).
Birmingham Move For German Striker
Birmingham City appear to have given up hope of signing Blues target Chuba Akpom from Ajax, having turned their attention to Werder Bremen Marvin Ducksch, according to reports in Germany.
Akpom Remains Intent on Joining Town
Ajax forward Chuba Akpom remains intent on joining Town on a season-long loan, despite Birmingham City’s late attempt to sign him on a permanent basis, TWTD understands.
The TWTD Prediction League 2025/26
With the start of the new season only a few days away, it’s time to register for the TWTD Prediction League 2025/26.
Vote TWTD! - Football Content Awards Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the Football Content Awards 2025, giving you the chance to pay tribute to TWTD and other Town media you enjoy.
Birmingham Make Last-Gasp New Approach For Akpom
Birmingham City reportedly still haven’t given up hope of signing Ajax forward Chuba Akpom, despite the 29-year-old having been in Suffolk to undergo a medical ahead of a loan move this evening.