Ipswich Town: Blues linked with Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.

Ipswich Town have been linked with a deal for Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, whose contract expires this summer.

According to Alan Nixon, the Blues are certain that they can pay him more money than the Clarets, which might lead to a move to Portman Road this summer. Burnley are in talks regarding a new contract for Brownhill, but nothing has been finalised. As things stand, he will become a free agent at the beginning of next month, with several ties to Premier League club West Ham in recent weeks. The 29-year-old hails from Warrington and has previously played for Manchester United’s youth, Preston North End, and Bristol City. He has played four seasons in the top flight for Burnley, helping them win promotion from the Championship as club captain, providing 18 goals and six assists.

Leeds United’s Joel Piroe (26) was the only second-tier player with more goal contributions than Brownhill (24). He also holds a Championship championship, which he won under Vincent Kompany in 2022/23.

Brownhill captained the Clarets to promotion last season (Image: PA)

Alex’s verdict

It’s difficult to say whether the rumour is reliable. We’ll have to wait and see. I’m not sure if this is an agent-driven move to garner more money from another team, or if Ipswich are actually interested in Brownhill. The only red sign is his age. 29 is clearly above the desired number, but there are enough aspects to make him an interesting signing. His expertise in the Premier League and Championship is really good. He’s unquestionably a top-tier second-tier talent, fresh off an outstanding season with Burnley. Now that he’s nearing the end of his contract, it’s simple to see why there’s such interest.

18 goals in the Championship, with only three coming from the penalty spot, is an outstanding return, especially given that he has been playing as a deep-lying midfield pivot alongside Josh Cullen. Town needs at least two midfielders this summer. Jens Cajuste has been linked to a return, but he, like Kalvin Phillips and Massimo Luongo, is now absent. Brownhill would undoubtedly be able to play at a high level for another several years. This is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Brownhill would be an excellent addition, especially on a free transfer, and I believe he’d thrive under McKenna. For the time being, this is classified as’speculation’, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it evolved into anything more.

Crucially, it would be a bit of a statement. Ipswich have signed the best players from the teams below them in the pyramid. If they can take a star from the league above, that would be a stunning move.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk