EPL Live: McKenna raises another blockbuster” request with £30m valuation after Kalvin Philips reported deal” he is an animal” he’s fast and strong” says previous coaches….
In Arne Slot’s first game as the Reds’ manager, the Tractor Boys will play Liverpool on Saturday in their much anticipated Premier League homecoming. Ipswich has been active in the summer window after holding onto manager Kieran McKenna, signing six new players before things picked up speed in the last few days.
It was first revealed on Thursday that Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be moving to Portman Road on a season-long loan deal. A transfer, which has now been confirmed, doesn’t include an option to buy but the England international will surely rival Sam Morsy, Massimo Luongo and Jack Taylor in the heart of midfield.
A few hours later, it was revealed that the team had also reached an agreement with Blackburn Rovers for Szmodics, their long-term aim. The attacker has been on the team’s wishlist for a transfer throughout the summer, and the deal has also been formally finalized.
However, Szmodics isn’t the only attacking target on the radar, with another update sharing talks over a further addition in the final third.
Ipswich Town hold Armando Broja talks
According to reliable reporter Stuart Wilson of the East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich Town are also in discussions with Chelsea over a move for striker Armando Broja. He states that due to Broja’s £30m valuation, Ipswich would initially look to take the Albania international on loan.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has since backed this claim up, saying on X: “Ipswich Town interested in signing Chelsea forward Armando Broja. Ipswich exploring conditions of a season long loan. Chelsea listening to offers
The 22-year-old could be a smart option on loan alongside Phillips, with George Hirst’s pre-season knee injury set to keep him out for up to eight weeks.
Broja has had a number of loan spells away from Stamford Bridge, spending time with Vitesse, Southampton and Fulham. He scored 11 goals over in the Netherlands and netted nine goals with the Saints, however, he failed to score in eight appearances with Fulham for the second half of the previous campaign.
Described as an “animal” by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, Broja was also praised by Frank Lampard, who added: “He’s a very nice, very good lad and a very talented young boy. He came into us at the start of the Covid times, trained with us and showed the attributes that I think you’re seeing now in the Premier League at Southampton.
He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for goal and he’s a very, very good young player so I’m very aware of his strengths in a Southampton team playing very well.”
A move could therefore be one to keep an eye on in what could be an extremely busy end to the window for McKenna and Ipswich chiefs behind the scenes.
