Transfer Blues

Even at this early stage, with most players and managers on holiday, attention diverted by a major international tournament, and a further two months before the season begins, transfer rumours are rampant. Darren takes a look at some of the players Ipswich have been linked with and whether we should get excited or not.

After a brief lull after the end of the season, in which we all probably thought about what might have been, or in some cases thought that we were probably better off with how things ended up anyway, Ipswich have already been linked with 20 or more plausible signings.

But whilst some bring some real excitement, others are quite underwhelming, something which, if they come to fruition, is likely to be a problem for fans salivating at the thought of big money signings.

Gareth McAuley seems to be the one player that the club have openly admitted to be chasing. Its probably good news, hes a very decent player at this level, Leicester fans seem to like him and he appears to be attracting the kind of interest and transfer fee that will help to reassure any doubters. It seems very likely it will come off, given Leicesters fairly fragile financial and playing status, aided to Jims apparent eagerness to get the deal done.

Inevitably, there is going to be a complete unknown. Thus far, that player is Pim Balkestein, a little known Dutch player, but one who falls into the right age range and right cost that, without any prior knowledge, most fans will be prepared to back the manager on. It may happen, it may not, but it doesnt look to be by any means the most significant move we make in the transfer market. That said, Velice Sumulikoski came with the same kind of background....

Carlos Bocanegra has flirted with attention and then disappeared again. An ageing but experienced centreback could, with the required quality, make a big difference to our defence. However, given that he is replacing another ageing but experienced centreback, its likely that some fans will be disappointed not to see a younger, quicker player replacing Jason De Vos.

And most recently, Kaspars Gorkss of Blackpool has come into the frame. A move widely speculated on for several months, but with very little substance, it eventually seems that the press have taken up the baton. Whether they are merely following the trend is something we have to wait and see on. Certainly, Gorkss recent pedigree in the Championship is well established, and with a cheap price tag, he seems like a very reasonable punt. However, his form prior to last season is undoubtedly something to be questioned- Are we really in a position to be taking gambles on players who may be able to step up for us? Is this not the time to go out and buy ready made quality?

The trend has clearly been towards Central Defenders. Its understandable as its our most striking area of squad weakness currently. There have been odd whispers about Goalkeepers and Forwards, but mainly defenders.

The striker search has so far only really managed to throw up the possibility of Emile Mpenza, a player of high quality, whos agent has evidently been doing an excellent job. Certainly, there have been plenty of words, none on behalf of the football club, but plenty on behalf of the player- that an offer from Ipswich is due, that a decision is imminent- yet nothing particularly concrete seems to have occurred. That said, it certainly seems that Ipswich have made enquiries, at the very least. It is a potential signing that promises a lot, but throws up frightening reminders of former star players appearing to unsettle the rest of the staff with their large wages and superstar lifestyle.

The goalkeeping speculation seems to be purely the domain of Thomas Sorensen and Richard Wright. With Sorensen seemingly keen on a transfer to a higher level club and apparently having offers on the table, it looks like a mercenary offer will be required to bring him to the club; assuming his agent isnt playing games. Richard Wright has equally managed to get his name in the frame again, a particularly admirable quality having, as yet, not managed to make any statement of interest in any direction thus far. It seems clear that the player is re-evaluating his options- his decision to move to West Ham has not resulted in first team football, whereas both ourselves and Tony Mowbrays West Brom, apparently, have made offers.

Indeed, West Brom look the most interesting option of all, as they deal with their own Premiership aspirations and potentially look to replace members of their Championship title-winning team. A Richard Wright move to West Brom would potentially leave the outstanding Dean Kiely weighing up his options. Whilst their moves in the striker transfer market may well leave Kevin Phillips thankful he didnt renew his contract......