Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit claims Ipswich Town may be "tempted" to sell £15m player | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Dara O'Shea's immediate future at Ipswich Town

Lee Hendrie believes that Ipswich Town could be tempted into accepting an offer for Dara O’Shea this summer if the right price comes in - despite the fact he signed a new contract recently.

The future of the defender could be up in the air if a major offer arrives this summer after the Tractor Boys suffered relegation from the top flight, even though a fresh five-year deal was penned as recently as less than a month ago.

It was reported in June prior to his new deal that Premier League trio Leeds United, Wolves and O'Shea's former side Burnley were among the clubs considering an approach, but it's unclear as to whether the new deal will scare top flight suitors off.

Lee Hendrie expects Ipswich to be tested over Dara O’Shea

Hendrie believes that O’Shea, who signed last summer from Burnley for £15 million and featured 35 times for Ipswich last season in the Premier League, winning the club's Player of the Year award, could be tempted into a move after having another taste of Premier League football last season.

The former Aston Villa midfielder turned Sky Sports pundit praised the defender’s consistent level of performances, and expects him to be a big, big player for the Tractor Boys this season if he does stay.

“O'Shea is another one who has been heavily linked away,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“You’d think that he’s one of seven or eight out of 10 performers and a defender, which are hard to come by.

“I think dropping down to the Championship, you know that he can play in that, and you know that he can be a big, big player in that division.

“The thing is, he’s had that taste again, where he’s going to want to play Premier League football.

“And I think he can definitely move back into the Premier League.

“I think it’s hard to come by when you’ve got players who are consistent and are very good defensively, so you do feel like he’s one of them players.

“I think if the right offer comes in, I’m sure Ipswich will want to keep him but I think they’ll be tempted if the money is right.”

Sizable offer will be needed to sign Ipswich Town's Dara O’Shea this summer

O’Shea has a long-term deal with Ipswich, who have no immediate need to sell someone of his quality.

The Suffolk outfit have already lost Liam Delap, and could yet lose Omari Hutchinson, so they will be keen to keep as much of the squad from last season together as possible.

O’Shea was a solid performer in the Premier League last season, and his Championship experience will be invaluable in the upcoming campaign.

It will have to take a sizable offer to convince Ipswich to sell this summer, and with the safety Ipswich have in the Irishman's contract, you'd imagine it's more than likely he'll remain at Portman Road.