x

Harding Set for Swap? - Ipswich Town News

Left-back Dan Harding is reported to be on offer from Leeds United as part of a swap deal for Darren Currie. The Town midfielder has been repeatedly linked with Kevin Blackwell's club over the last few weeks.

Over the weekend newspaper reports claimed that Leeds had offered striker David Healy for the 31-year-old with subsequent stories indicating a £250,000 move would happen later this week.

A left-back is certainly amongst Town manager Jim Magilton's requirements over the summer and TWTD understands that Harding was on previous manager Joe Royle's summer wish-list.

Currently, youngsters Scott Barron and James Krause are the only left-backs in the Town squad, with Matt Richards now established as a midfield player and Fabian Wilnis and Sito primarily right-sided full-backs.

Capped four times at England U21 international level, Harding joined Leeds, the club he supported as a boy, from Brighton and Hove Albion a year ago for a fee which could rise to £850,000 depending on appearances and other clauses.

The 22-year-old made his debut for Brighton against Norwich in August 2002 having progressed through the Seagulls' youth system. The 6ft tall defender, who was brought up in Sussex, made 76 appearances for the Withdean Stadium club, scoring his only career goal.

Last season the Gloucester-born player made 21 appearances for Leeds.

Jim Magilton has said that Currie is very much in his plans but, with only year remaining of the winger's contract, a sizeable offer of cash or of a player rated by the Town management who plays in a position they are looking to fill, could persuade him to change his mind.

What to read next:

U21s Beaten By Fulham
Town’s U21s fell to only their second Premier League 2 defeat of the season as they were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at the JobServe Community Stadium this evening.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
McKenna: FA Cup Still Special
Boss Kieran McKenna believes the FA Cup is still a special competition ahead of the Blues’ third round tie against League One Blackpool at Portman Road on Saturday.
Town Move On From Bamford
Town have ended their pursuit of Sheffield United striker Patrick Bamford having held talks with the 32-year-old.
Fortuna Blues in Town Marking 20th Anniversary With Commemorative Scarf
The Fortuna Blues are back in town this weekend for Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against Blackpool, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their first trip to Suffolk with a commemorative scarf.
McKenna: Over a Big, Big Loss to the Club
Blues manager Kieran McKenna has paid tribute to club ambassador, PLC chairman and Ipswich Town Foundation trustee Peter Over, who died suddenly on Sunday, aged 63.
McKenna Happy With Christmas Points Return, Frustrated By Portsmouth Postponement
Blues manager Kieran McKenna was pleased with his side’s haul of 10 points from 12 over Christmas but admitted the postponement at Portsmouth last Sunday was frustrating.
McKenna: Hopefully Sheehan Will Stay With the Club in Some Capacity
Kieran McKenna hopes Joe Sheehan, who left his role as manager of Town Women earlier this week, remains at the club.
McKenna: Humphreys a Player We Rate Very Highly
Boss Kieran McKenna says midfielder Cameron Humphreys, who has joined League One promotion hopefuls Huddersfield Town for the rest of the season, has been unlucky not to have played more regularly for the Blues during the first half of the campaign.
Young: You Want to Win Every Competition You're In
FA Cup winner Ashley Young is not short of belief that he could add a second winners’ medal to his collection as Town prepare to start their campaign against Blackpool this weekend.