Ipswich Town transfer news: Conor Chaplin decision, Tom Cairney, Sammie Szmodics verdict | OneFootball

Football League World rounds up the latest Ipswich Town transfer news as the Championship club vie to strengthen their squad.

Ipswich Town are striving to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The Tractor Boys have facilitated Harry Clarke's loan move to Charlton Athletic, and the Portman Road faithful will now be keen to see who their club acquires this month.

Ipswich have enjoyed a three-game winning streak across all competitions, while they remain two points behind second-place Middlesbrough with a game in hand on Kim Hellberg's men.

Boro head to West Brom this Friday, whereas Kieran McKenna's side face a struggling Blackburn Rovers outfit on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Football League World rounds up all the latest Tractor Boys transfer news, and recruitment could play a pivotal role in the Suffolk outfit's promotion bid.

Ipswich Town must make Conor Chaplin decision by the end of the week

Ipswich's top scorer in the Championship this season is winger Jaden Philogene-Bidace with nine strikes, but McKenna should be keen to utilise the January transfer window to bolster his attacking options.

Chuba Akpom has managed a return of just two goals in 20 second-tier appearances, while fellow striker George Hirst has not played since 20 December, thanks to a groin injury.

Therefore, Ipswich could recall Conor Chaplin from his loan spell with Portsmouth, although the 28-year-old has failed to score in 21 Pompey appearances.

Chaplin was previously a major asset for the Tractor Boys, scoring vital goals in both League One and the Championship when McKenna's side famously earned back-to-back promotions from the third tier to the Premier League.

As per the East Anglian Daily Times, the Suffolk club have until the end of this week to recall the striker from Portsmouth.

Sammie Szmodics verdict given amid Tractor Boys exit news

Former Blackburn Rovers talisman Sammie Szmodics has struggled for game time with McKenna's men this term, partly due to injury issues.

Meanwhile, the East Anglian Daily Times have revealed that Derby County, managed by ex-Blackburn boss John Eustace, would be a leading suitor for the 30-year-old, if Ipswich are willing to part company with him.

Weighing in on the midfielder's future, Tractor Boys fan pundit Adam Wilkin told FLW: "It was interesting that Szmodics was back on the bench for the FA Cup game (vs Blackpool). He ended up coming on down the left-hand side.

"I think a lot of it will depend on who we get in the January window. It feels like the number 10 role in McKenna’s system has changed since the start of the season - it was more of a second striker, and Szmodics and Akpom were the two earmarks to play in that.

"That’s changed with injuries and other bits, and Marcelino Nunez has really nailed that down as more of a creative, ball-playing ten who can drop deep into midfield, so I'm wondering if we target that.

"If we make no new signings, I can definitely see Szmodics staying and playing as competition for Jaden Philogene on the left now, potentially.

"But, I think if another number 10 does come in and no one moves out, given his age profile, he’s probably one that could be looked to move on."

Alan Judge weighs in on Ipswich interest in Tom Cairney

As McKenna looks to add more quality to his ranks, Ipswich have eyed a move for Fulham ace Tom Cairney.

Speaking about the attacking midfielder, former Tractor Boys star Alan Judge told BBC Radio Suffolk on Tuesday: "If a player like Tom becomes available, you have to go and get him.

"The quality he has on the ball. If you play him alongside (Jack) Taylor and (Azor) Matusiwa, Tom doesn't have to do much running. I was lucky to play with Tom at Blackburn, and his vision, his technique, his touch is top-notch."

Judge notched eight goals and 11 assists in 91 Tractor Boys appearances before joining Colchester United in 2023.