Ipswich Town: Double contract call makes sense after Vaclav Hladky reveal: View | OneFootball

Ipswich Town are keen to offer first-choice goalkeeper Václav Hladký a contract extension after an impressive, though highly unprecedented, season between the sticks.

Hladký, who is out of contract in the summer, provided cover for Christian Walton during his first two seasons at the club, but after the latter suffered a foot injury in pre-season, he stepped in as Ipswich embarked on their first season back in the Championship since 2019.

The 33-year-old hasn't looked back and his ability on the ball has been crucial to Ipswich's unlikely charge towards back-to-back promotions.

He is now set to be offered a new long-term deal, according to Alan Nixon, via his Patreon.

Hladký has started every league minute for Ipswich this season, keeping 14 clean sheets in the process and leaving former number-one Walton out in the cold.

Walton will feel aggrieved not to have played a part in the side's historic season after his role in getting Ipswich promoted to the Championship last season, and the English shot-stopper will likely look to move on this summer.

Walton is out of contract in June but Ipswich hold an option for an extra year and would be wise to use it to increase the keeper's sell-on value in the summer.

The 28-year-old is approaching the prime of his career, and after keeping 23 clean sheets in 46 League One appearances last season, he still has plenty to offer and won't be short of suitors should Ipswich look to sell.

Hladký has Premier League ambitions

At 33 years old, Hladký is one of the more senior options in Kieran McKenna's squad.

But despite this, the Czech keeper is enjoying his first full season as a starter with the Tractor Boys, and it's unclear quite how he'll adapt should Ipswich earn promotion to the Premier League.

With the promise of Premier League football, though, Hladký is keen to sign a new contract and fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the top flight even if it means providing cover for a new keeper.

Hladký is a trusted part of McKenna's team, and he could yet cement his place as number one next season in the Premier League but regardless, Ipswich will want to tie down the veteran shot-stopper after an impressive season.

Walton won't be short of suitors this summer

After averaging a clean sheet every other game for Ipswich in League One, it was expected Walton would play a similarly key role this season.

Injuries, however, prevented that and with Hladký proving comfortable with the ball at his feet, Walton looks unlikely to reclaim the number one spot.

His Championship experience with former club Wigan Athletic, as well as an eye-catching spell on loan with Blackburn Rovers and his impressive displays last season, means Walton has a dependable reputation in the football league, and will command a fair fee should Ipswich exercise the one-year option in his contract.

Walton attracted interest from Luton Town last summer, and with their potential relegation to the Championship on the cards, the Hatters could once again move for the keeper.

Hladký has also attracted interest, with Celtic reportedly keen on the shot-stopper and Ipswich need to make quick decisions on the pair or risk losing both for free in the summer.

The Tractor Boys are said to be set to hand Hladký a new deal, which makes perfect sense, but would be wise to trigger Walton's extension and look to move him on in the upcoming window.