Ipswich Town can now stand firm in West Ham transfer battle: View | OneFootball

Some will wonder whether he is still on the Irons' radar with manager David Moyes departing at the end of the campaign, but it's recruitment teams and those behind the scenes that work to identify targets.

As well as this, Ben Johnson looks likely to depart the London Stadium when his contract expires this summer, so Davis could be an excellent addition in the full-back department.

The Irons' owners may be keen to back Moyes' successor in the transfer market this summer, at the start of what will be a new chapter for the club following the end of their current manager's time in charge.

And they could back their next manager, who will be Julen Lopetegui, by securing a transfer agreement for Davis.

The ex-Leeds United man was nothing short of exceptional for the Tractor Boys last season, making the step up to the Championship seamlessly and playing a huge part in guiding the club to back-to-back promotions with his contributions in the final third.

He may have been caught out at the back at times, notably in Ipswich's home clash against Southampton not so long ago, but he has been much more of an asset than a liability during his time at Portman Road.

Leif Davis' contract situation may be a boost for West Ham

The left-back still has two years left on his deal, with his contract extension option in mind.

If Ipswich are unable to tie the player down to a contract by the time his deal expires in 2025, it seems inevitable that the Tractor Boys will activate the option to extend his terms by a further 12 months.

However, the fact he hasn't got even longer left on his contract means there's probably a ceiling on the amount they will be able to demand for the defender.

Although they could still secure a decent fee for him, Ipswich will be wary about the fact he won't have long left on his deal in 12 months, which would reduce his valuation considerably.

That wariness could work in the Irons' favour this summer.

Ipswich Town are in a great position to keep hold of Leif Davis

With his contract situation in mind, it wouldn't have been a surprise if Ipswich were forced to cash in on the defender if they had remained in the second tier.

But promotion arguably changes everything for the Tractor Boys, in terms of Davis' situation.

Interested clubs may be more reluctant to bid for the 24-year-old now, knowing that the player is probably less likely to push for a move away from Suffolk.

At Portman Road, the left-back will probably have the opportunity to play regularly in the top flight, and he may not get that opportunity at too many other top-tier clubs.

Because of this, he will surely want to stay put, and that may deter other teams from making offers for him.

Not only has promotion reduced the chances of Davis trying to push for a move away, but it may also increase the Tractor Boys' chances of tying the player down to a new contract.

Now is the right time for Ipswich to tie the player down and with the club now competing in the top flight, it would be difficult to see why the full-back wouldn't want to put pen to paper on fresh terms.

It would allow him to have more certainty about his future - and potentially benefit him financially too - with the Tractor Boys likely to be able to offer him a big pay rise following promotion.

If he does sign a new deal, he will be worth even more than he currently is now, and that could allow McKenna's side to price West Ham out of a move for the 24-year-old.