Manager Mick McCarthy has revealed that former Manchester United and Manchester City central defender Frederic Veseli trained with the Blues in Ireland last week. The 20-year-old from Switzerland, who was first mentioned in connection with Town last month, was released by the Red Devils at the end of last season, having joined them from their local rivals in January 2012.

Speaking after Tuesday's game at Crawley, McCarthy said strengthening his backline is currently his main focus: “I’m getting calls about lots of players they want to push to me and I keep saying that it’s defenders I’m looking for, quite clearly.

“We had Veseli, who was with us in Ireland. We’ve had Bongani Khumalo and we’ve had Dan Seaborne [training with us as well].

“I’ve only got five defenders, Elliott, Cressy, Tyrone Mings and my two stalwart centre-backs, Tommy and Chambo at the moment, so I need some more.”

Despite Veseli not having been involved against Shelbourne or in Tuesday’s friendly at Crawley, we understand that Town have not yet ended their interest in the FC Renens and FC Lausanne-Sport youngster.

McCarthy has made five signings this summer — with Waterford’s Jack Doherty looking likely to be the sixth — but the Blues boss wouldn’t be drawn on how many further additions to his squad he’s looking to make: “I need some more recruits quite clearly, but I’m not going to give you a number.”

Photo: Action Images

theobald1985 added 14:19 - Jul 12 oh come on ballbag please as ive stated man u are in the top 4 in the world and rio has been a great defender for them him and vidic are world class they would not be in a world class team if they were not would they. as i say people like sir alex who know more about the game than u or me should be the judge and as he signed and played both these players then i think we should trust his view on the matter. or are you suggesting you know more than the most successful manager in english football?

0

Sindre94 added 14:56 - Jul 12 Off topic hero, but I have to ask everyone this: I am really the only one to think the way Chopra is treated by some of us fans is disgusting? How come we have the right to throw dirt at him throughout every newsfeed that is connected with him? I'm sure he has his supporters, and thats fair enough. But even though he isnt the best player in the world, or has the most perfect private life in the world, I do believe Ipswich as a FAMILY club with FANTASTIC fans should support the lad as long as he is here! Thats the least us as fans can do... Of course we have the right to voice our opinion, but sometimes it isn't really helpful to any cause. I honestly do believe that with the right trust, confidence and service Michael Chopra (IPSWICH NUMBER 10) can SHINE at Town. But thats probably just me? or?

0

Beattiesballbag added 14:59 - Jul 12 theobald Dear theobald As biased as he is, I doubt that even sir Alex would be so bold as to make the statement that, Rio was one of the two best centre backs in the world ,...........Unless he was about to sell him! The young lad looks like he's worth looking at without doubt, ............even if he has been training with Rio the ball watcher for a year! Now must dash as I'm off fishing.

0

Sindre94 added 15:13 - Jul 12 Correcting myself: "Off topic HERE*", "Am I really the only one..*"
0

Unbelievable_Jeff added 15:22 - Jul 12 It's just you Sindre, be quiet.
0

Axeldalai_lama added 15:23 - Jul 12 Ballbag, I couldn't give a toss either way about the merits of Rio past or present, but a point of order: no one said he's one of the best two defenders in the world, just that him and vidic have been two of the best. Do you see the difference. Anywho, carry on...
0

jas0999 added 18:01 - Jul 12 Edwards is NOT a defender. Interesting that certain posters still continue to back / defend PJ! The guy was useless. Time to draw the line as we have an excellent manager now. Like the fact that MM is still after new permanent recruits ... then to top up with PL loanees. Miles better than last years failure during pre-season, resulting in us panicking and bringing in more loans than we could actually field.

0

Sindre94 added 22:26 - Jul 12 And certain posters like YOU jas0999 keep slating him a blunt year after he disappeared, get over it.
0

Ipswichbusiness added 20:13 - Jul 13 To get back to the idea that we need another defender, I think we need someone proven like Stearman. The trouble is that we won't be able to aford him unless we can move Chopra (and his wages) on which seems unlikely.
0

Blogs 297 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls