Ipswich Town submit enquiry to sign AFC Bournemouth star Phillip Billing | OneFootball

Ipswich Town are keen to bolster their midfield options before the 1 September deadline

Ipswich Town have submitted an enquiry to Bournemouth about the availability of Philip Billing.

According to Teamtalk, the Tractor Boys face competition from two sides in Germany in the race to sign the midfielder before the window closes.

Billing fell down the pecking order under Andoni Iraola, which led to him going out on loan last January to Serie A champions Napoli.

The 29-year-old contributed one goal from 10 appearances in the Italian top flight, helping Antonio Conte’s side clinch the Scudetto ahead of Inter Milan.

Ipswich make Philip Billing enquiry

It has been reported that Ipswich have enquired about the availability of Billing ahead of the 1 September deadline.

It is believed that the Tractor Boys see the midfielder as a loan option to bolster their options in that area of the pitch.

Kieran McKenna is keen to strengthen his midfield, with the Suffolk outfit aiming to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

But Ipswich face competition from two clubs in Germany, so it is far from certain they will win the race to his signature.

It is understood that Bournemouth’s signing of Amine Adli will open the door for Billing to depart the club this summer.

The 29-year-old made just 10 league appearances for the Cherries last season before going out on loan in January.

Ipswich’s summer business

Ipswich have been busy this summer since suffering relegation from the Premier League, bringing in six new signings.

Chuba Akpom, Jens Cajuste and Cedric Kipre have all joined on loan, with David Button and Ashley Young also arriving as free agents.

Azor Matusiwa was signed as well, joining from Stade Rennais on a permanent basis to bolster the team’s midfield.

Next up for Ipswich is a trip to face Preston North End on 23 August in a 3pm kick-off.

Billing could work quite well as a loan signing for Ipswich

Billing hasn’t quite been able to prove he’s a Premier League calibre player for Bournemouth under Iraola, but he still has plenty of experience at that level.

He is also quite a versatile player, and can take on multiple different midfield roles, including being a goal scorer and creator.

He contributed 10 goals and 10 assists to help the Cherries earn promotion during the 2021/22 campaign, which would be a welcome asset at Portman Road if he could replicate that form.