Patrick Bamford: Why Ipswich Town should snub move for Sheffield United ace | OneFootball

FLW's Ipswich Town fan pundit has given his reaction to reports that the Tractor Boys are monitoring Patrick Bamford's situation at Sheffield United.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

As Ipswich Town continue their push for automatic promotion in the Championship, it is set to be a crucial January transfer window at Portman Road.

Ipswich made a slow start to life back in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League, but they have improved significantly in recent months, and they currently sit third in the table, just two points behind second-placed Middlesbrough with a game in hand.

The Tractor Boys' January transfer business has given them a big boost during their previous promotion seasons under manager Kieran McKenna, and as he looks for a similar impact this time around, it seems he has started identifying possible targets.

One man who appears to be on Ipswich's radar is Sheffield United striker Patrick Bamford, with journalist Alan Nixon revealing that the Suffolk outfit are keeping tabs on his contract talks with the Blades.

After almost three months as a free agent following his departure from Leeds United, Bamford made the move to Bramall Lane on a short-term contract in November, and he has scored five goals in 10 appearances for Chris Wilder's side so far.

With his deal set to expire after Sunday's FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town, Wilder has made no secret of his desire to keep Bamford at the club, but he admitted his form for the Blades will not have gone unnoticed elsewhere, and the Tractor Boys may be ready to pounce if he decides against signing an extension.

Ipswich Town urged to avoid Patrick Bamford move amid Sheffield United uncertainty

When asked for his reaction to reports linking Bamford with a switch to Portman Road, FLW's Ipswich Town fan pundit Adam Wilkin warned the club against making a move for the 32-year-old, claiming he would not be suited to McKenna's style of play.

"There were rumours that we were in for Patrick Bamford when he was a free agent in the summer," Adam told FLW.

"He's obviously done fairly well at Sheffield United.

"I don't think he's the sort of striker we would be looking to bring in.

"He's more of a fox-in-the-box, poacher-type style.

"Yes, he's got a good goalscoring record at Championship level, but I think his hold-up play and running in behind would probably not suit a Kieran McKenna side.

"Not for me, that one."

Ipswich Town could be set for Patrick Bamford frustration after Chris Wilder, Sheffield United reveal

Having not scored for over 18 months prior to his arrival at Bramall Lane, the signing of Bamford was something of a gamble for Sheffield United, but he has made an outstanding impact at the club.

Bamford has proven that he is still more than capable of scoring goals at Championship level during his brief spell with the Blades, and it is little surprise that his recent form has caught the eye of other clubs.

As George Hirst and Ivan Azon are not the most prolific strikers, it is fair to say that Ipswich could do with some extra firepower in their pursuit of a return to the Premier League, and as well as his goals, Bamford's experience could be vital in helping them get over the line.

However, with Wilder stating that he believes Bamford is keen to stay at the club, it looks likely that he will commit his future to United, meaning the Tractor Boys may have to look elsewhere in their search for a new number nine.