Exclusive: Wolves backed to beat Leeds and Burnley in Ipswich Town transfer race | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie says Dara O'Shea has what it takes to thrive in the Premier League amid transfer interest from Wolves, Burnley and Leeds.

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes Dara O'Shea has what it takes to make the step back up to the Premier League amid growing interest in the Ipswich Town defender.

Ipswich are braced for bids for O'Shea this summer, with former club Burnley alongside Leeds and Wolves all reportedly keen on the 26-year-old, who arrived at Portman Road from Turf Moor last summer in a £15 million deal.

The Republic of Ireland international made 35 top-flight appearances for Kieran McKenna's side last season and was named player of the season despite their 82 goals conceded and subsequent relegation.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie was asked whether it would be a blow for Ipswich to lose the defender, and he was full of praise.

"I think he is one of those defenders where you know what you are getting from him," he told FLW.

"He's one of those solid performers, he leads by example, and I definitely think he's got it in his locker to step up for any of those teams for sure."

Lee Hendrie: Wolves may have the edge

With Burnley and Leeds looking to prepare for life back in the Premier League following their promotion, Hendrie believes that Wolves would be the best fit for O'Shea, given both his and the club's style of play.

"Wolves would be a nice fit for him because of their style and the way they play," he added. "He's a footballing defender so I think Wolves would be the perfect fit for him."

Tractor Boys face battle to keep hold of O'Shea

Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton has stated that there won't be a fire sale following the club's relegation, with only selected sales planned to take place, including Liam Delap's recent departure for Chelsea. But with O'Shea under contract and attracting top-flight interest, a sizeable bid could test that resolve.

Whether he chooses to stay and lead Ipswich's promotion push or take a fourth shot at the Premier League remains to be seen, but there is no shortage of suitors.

Staying at Ipswich might be O'Shea's best move

While interest from the Premier League is flattering, there's an argument to be made that O'Shea may be better off remaining at Ipswich rather than becoming labelled a relegation specialist after already suffering relegations with West Brom, Burnley and Ipswich.

Another top-flight move brings the risk of adding a fourth relegation to his collection.

Burnley and Leeds will need heavy investment to stay up, while Wolves may face a step back if the departing Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha are not adequately replaced.

For the defender, a full season leading the charge at Portman Road as one of the Championship's best centre-backs may provide greater long-term reward, with the club eyeing an immediate return to the Premier League, rather than staring down the barrel of another relegation battle.