Tom Cairney drops 'weird' claim on Fulham future as Ipswich Town plot transfer | OneFootball

Tom Cairney has been linked with a potential move to Ipswich Town this January

Tom Cairney has responded to speculation linking him with a move from Fulham to Ipswich Town.

It was reported earlier this month that the Tractor Boys are keen on signing the 34-year-old this month in a bid to improve their chances at promotion to the Premier League.

The Scot has been with the Cottagers since the summer of 2015, signing from Blackburn Rovers, and he has been a key figure at the club in that time.

Cairney has been a part of three successful promotion campaigns, and has made 146 appearances in the Premier League across six-and-a-half seasons so far.

However, his contract is set to expire in June, leading to some uncertainty over his future at Craven Cottage.

Tom Cairney’s Fulham future

Cairney has claimed that he cannot see himself in any other kit than the Fulham one amid this uncertainty over his future, indicating a move is unlikely this month.

The midfielder has left the door open for a potential exit, suggesting anything can happen, but that his priority is to finish the season playing consistently for the Premier League side.

“I can’t really see myself wearing any other kit,” said Cairney, via Sky Sports (09.00).

“When I picture myself in another kit it just feels weird.

“I know that sounds weird to say, but it just does.

“But, listen, football is chopping and changing all the time, anything can happen.

“I want to play up to the season, I want to keep on playing, my contract does end at the season, so we’ll have to see what follows.”

When asked if talks are underway on a new deal, he responded: “I wouldn’t really say underway, I’d say ‘ish’.”

Cairney has made 13 appearances so far this Premier League season, although he has only started on three occasions.

Two of those starts came in recent results against Liverpool and Chelsea in which Marco Silva’ side earned a 2-2 draw and a 2-1 win, respectively.

The 34-year-old also scored against Crystal Palace on 1 January to secure a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.

Meanwhile, Ipswich are third in the Championship table, two points behind second place Middlesbrough but with a game in hand, as they seek an immediate top flight return.

Next up for Kieran McKenna’s side is a home clash against Blackburn Rovers on 17 January in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Tom Cairney signing was always a long shot for Ipswich

Cairney has become a bit of a club legend at Fulham, so it was always going to be tough to convince him to sign this month for Ipswich.

The last few weeks have shown how useful he still is to Silva’s side, even if his game time is limited these days.

If he is unable to sign a new deal, then perhaps being able to offer Premier League football in the summer could convince him to join as a free agent.