Ipswich Town news: Marc Guiu timeline, Omari Hutchinson transfer link, Ed Sheeran claim | OneFootball

All the latest news surrounding Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town are preparing for life back in the Championship this summer following their 19th place finish in the Premier League.

Kieran McKenna’s side were unable to survive beyond their first year back in the top flight, having earned their place in the division for the first time since 2002.

The Tractor Boys will now be aiming to fight for a top two spot next season, with their sights firmly set on returning to the Premier League straight away.

The summer will represent a busy time for the club, with the transfer market now open.

Here we take a look at all the latest news surrounding Ipswich ahead of their return to the second tier…

Marc Guiu timeline

Ipswich were linked with a move for Marc Guiu by the Guardian back in May amid speculation over Liam Delap’s future.

Delap has since made the switch to Chelsea, leaving room for a new striker to come into McKenna’s squad.

It has now been reported by The Athletic that any decision over the 19-year-old’s future will be made after the Blues’ participation in the Club World Cup.

It’s believed Ipswich are among the clubs keen on a move, with a loan expected to be the likely outcome of any deal.

Omari Hutchinson scouted

Omari Hutchinson’s future has been the subject of speculation since Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

It has now been claimed by Football Insider that West Ham have been scouting the forward amid his performances in the U21 European Championship with England.

The forward scored in the final, which Lee Carsley’s side won 3-2 against Germany, which has reportedly boosted his profile among Graham Potter’s recruitment staff.

It has previously been reported that the 21-year-old has a release clause in his contract worth £35 million.

Ed Sheeran makes Halo claim

Minority shareholder Ed Sheeran will be stepping away from the role of club sponsor for next season, with the musician fronting the shirt for the last three years.

However, he has opened up on Ipswich’s announcement of local business Halo as his replacement, expressing his delight at the new deal.

"I have sponsored the Ipswich kit for the last three years," said Sheeran, via the Ipswich Star.

"We were talking about passing the torch over now.

"I've known the Halo guys for a while, obviously they have done the arm [sleeve sponsorship].

“I was very, very clear to everyone at Ipswich that we didn't want another betting company on the shirt, but we also wanted to keep it Suffolk, keep it local.

"I'm a big fan of what Halo are doing for young people locally, and they are also a massive disruptor in the tech industry.

“It's just good to have a great Suffolk brand on it, and going from the Mathematic Tour onto Halo.

"Thank you so much for taking the sponsorship."

Mark Ashton opens up on summer recruitment strategy

Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton has opened up on the club’s recruitment strategy following their relegation from the Premier League.

He has claimed that the Suffolk outfit must focus on signing players with physical attributes, as they look to sign players with an eye for competing better in the Premier League in the long run.

“I think it’s recruitment, recruitment, recruitment,” said Ashton, via Talksport on YouTube.

“One of the things that we learned was that gap in the physicality, the physical attributes of players that are required in the Premier League.

“When we look to recruit players now in the Championship, we have to adjust and amend how we recruit players.

“We need to look at players with the physical attributes because the reality is Kieran can coach them, but you can’t develop the physical attributes to the level that you need to compete.

“So it’s an evolution for us. We have to look at recruiting a different type of player, a player with a different set of physical attributes.

“But let’s be under no illusions, if we get back to the Premier League, it will be equally as tough.

“We have to take the learnings from what was a very tough season.”