Town boss Kieran McKenna has provided a contract update on defensive duo Cameron Burgess and Axel Tuanzebe, whose terms are both set to expire at the end of the season.

Burgess has been a key figure for the Blues throughout the journey from League One and has featured 13 times in the Premier League this season.

The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Spanish side Girona this summer, where Marca are reporting that the La Liga outfit are in advanced talks with the Town defender.

McKenna confirmed talks are ongoing with all parties and that he does not know whether Burgess will remain at the club beyond the end of the season, but says he is keen to keep hold of the Australia international.

“Cameron is a very important player for us and an important player for the club,” he said. “There’s been conversations for quite a period of time now.

“I don’t have the most up-to-date version of those but those conversations have been going on for quite a while. I don’t think there’s a definite conclusion yet or it would have been concluded already.

“Cameron is a senior player now. He’s in the last year of his contract and he has his right to explore his options. I think it’s right that he does that and the club has their right to make the offers that they see best fit.

“Irrespective of whatever happens in the summer, Cameron’s always going to go down in the folklore of this club now. He’s someone we think is very important and if it’s the right thing for his career to stay and be part of it next year then I would certainly be more than happy with that from my perspective and want to have him around.

“If, from Cameron’s point of view or the club’s point of view, there’s a different direction then it won’t change too much in my eyes over the last few years.

“I don’t think there’s anything 100 per cent concrete either way but I know it’s something that’s been discussed for a while.”

Fellow defender Tuanzebe is also at risk of leaving Portman Road on a free transfer at the end of the season, with McKenna confirming talks are also ongoing.

“There’s been discussions,” he said. “Again, with all those situations that you could mention, everyone’s focus has just been on the games for now.

“Axel’s someone who we really like and he’s an important player for us. I think it's been a great move for him and a great move for us, he’s rebuilt himself here after some difficult years.

“I think he’s had some misfortune this year but is generally in a much better place than when he arrived. I’d certainly like him to stay as part of the club and I think there could be a lot of value and benefit in that for all parties concerned.

“At the same time, between Axel and the club, Axel’s a good professional and is entitled to consider his future at this point of his career and the club are entitled to do the same.

“I’m sure when a conclusion is reached there’ll be notification, but until that he’s shown a fantastic commitment level in the way he’s got himself back really quickly from his injury and got through the games last week way more than what any of us could have expected.

“His commitment to the cause means that I know his full focus is on helping the team at the moment and the future will bring what it will bring. If Axel can stay a part of the team and the club then I would certainly be very happy with that.”

Photo: Matchday Images

Bazza8564 added 15:28 - Apr 11 I think both of them will be fantastic in the championship next season. The reality is this will be about the length of the offer. Axel is 27, so a three year option males sense for both parties. Cam is already 29 and known to be looking for a longer deal. If I were Mark id be signing them both, but you have to respect the players to get the very best for their families. Let's not forget they've been free to sign pre contract delas for over 3 months so hopefully the fact they haven gives us hope.

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PortmanTerrorist added 15:49 - Apr 11 Can imagine both were waiting on Keiran making a decision. Now he has, I imagine that a deal will be much easier to conclude and both have shown to be premier league capable and we need players of that calibre to avoid another rebuild of we get promoted again. Come on lads let's make Club history together!
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trevski_s added 16:43 - Apr 11 Really hope we can keep both as I can see both playing a major part in defence next season like they did last season when we were in the Championship and both were amazing when they were playing this season. From what I can see as well Harness, Baggott and Luongos are also meant to be up this summer and wouldn't mind Harness re-signing (had a good season with Derby and did well last season), Baggott not too sure on as ain't really seen much of him play and can sadly see Luongo moving on. As fantastic as he is and had a great season last year, he is going to be 33 at the start of the new season and can see McKenna giving the likes of Taylor and Humphreys more of a chance, unless he signs a one year deal with a view to becoming a coach like Sone did

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bradforblues added 17:14 - Apr 11 Tuanzebe is a key player, we are so much stronger when he plays. A PL quality player.
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Bluewhiteboy added 19:49 - Apr 11 Both very good at championship, axel if not unlucky with injury could have proved himself at premiership. I think cam will go to Spain if the rumours are true, not any fault of ipswich but he wouldn't want to play there, especially after a season in the prem under his belt. Think(hope) axels injuries might actually be the reason we get to.sign him again as not sure many much higher will take the risk with his record. Has the ability to play mid prem so would be a coup to keep him.

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RobsonWark added 20:13 - Apr 11 I really hope these two players sign new deals. Both have been fantastic for us. If only they had been available for more games we may have stayed up.
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RobsonWark added 20:15 - Apr 11 @trevski I really hope Taylor is not part of the plans for next season. He is not good enough for us. He lives of the one goal he scored from 25 yards. He is a liability. How many times does he give the ball away when he plays a pass.
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