"To be honest" - Ipswich Town told to steer clear of Coventry City, Tyrese Asante transfer battle | OneFootball

Dutch defender Tyrese Asante is reportedly on Town's radar, but they have competition

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...

Ipswich Town have continued to be linked with reinforcements as Kieran McKenna looks to mould a high-quality and competitive squad together in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

It has been a mixed period on and off the pitch for the Tractor Boys since their relegation back to the Championship, having made just six signings thus far whilst losing the likes of Liam Delap, Omari Hutchinson and Sam Morsy after a solitary season of Premier League football.

Town haven't exactly set the world alight in terms of early-season performances either, although two points against Birmingham City and Southampton could become crucial as the season progresses.

There are still a plethora of high-quality potential names who have been linked with a move to Portman Road in recent days, and whilst names such as Hayden Hackney, Lewis Miley, Lewis Cook and Philip Billing have generated excitement when it comes to bolstering midfield options, the same can't quite be said when it comes to the rearguard at this moment in time.

Ipswich Town urged to avoid 'confusing' Tyrese Asante deal amid Coventry City transfer battle

It has been reported that Ipswich and their divisional rivals, Coventry City, are in the race to sign former Netherlands Under-21 international centre-back, Tyrese Asante from Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The 23-year-old has previously been linked with a move to the second tier and the Sky Blues, whose interest was previously registered alongside Hull City and previously relegated Cardiff City as well as SPFL outfit, Aberdeen.

Asante's reputation has only grown since moving to Israel and he is under contract with Tel Aviv until 2027. But, whilst Ipswich are said to have been the side pursuing his services the most, Football League World's Town fan pundit, Adam Wilkin, believes the rumours are slightly confusing given the defender's profile.

"I'm not sure why Town are being linked with centre-backs at the moment, to be honest," Wilkin told FLW.

"It's the one area of the pitch that we seem to be well stocked.

"Tyrese Asante's a bit of an unknown. I'd probably question his motivation with the move to Maccabi Tel Aviv, who aren't really a stepping stone club or major league player.

"Centre-back tends to be a position where we've gone for more experienced players in terms of matches, whereas he's only played in Holland and Israel.

"He might've popped up on our scouting radar because of data and because he's a centre-back/right-back hybrid.

"But, I can't imagine we'd have serious interest, and I'd be very confused if he was to come through the door as to why that move has been gone for."

Ipswich Town's current defensive state of play amid Tyrese Asante links

As Wilkin alluded to, centre-back is one area which is full of depth and experience so far for Ipswich, meaning it would only seem logical to press forward with a move for Asante if he was to be loaned out to continue developing, or if one of the current options at McKenna's disposal was to leave.

Meanwhile, it is obvious that Town's direct rivals for the Dutchman - Coventry - are extremely keen on bolstering the middle of their defence, having now seen a bid forLuke Woolfenden rejected by the Suffolk outfit after suffering a similar scenario in their aims of prizing Charlie Hughes away from Hull City.

That isn't to dispute Asante's ability, as he is clearly very highly-rated and is expected to have a well-established career, but it seems like a move to Portman Road at this exact moment may not be the best for all parties.