"They do not want to lose him" - Pundit urges Luton Town to keep Ipswich Town target at all costs | OneFootball

Kaminski was exceptional for the Hatters despite their immediate relegation back to the Championship

Carlton Palmer has heaped praise on Luton Town goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski amid interest from Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.

The respective sides have become two of English football's most talked about feel-good stories in recent years, as Luton reached the Premier League 12 months ago and earned plenty of plaudits for their fighting spirit despite relegation back to the Championship.

Meanwhile, Ipswich have already forked out £22 million on a permanent deal for Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea - more than the Hatters spent on all of their combined incomings last season - and hope to go one better than Rob Edwards' side in consolidating their top flight status.

However, one of those who moved to Kenilworth Road last summer has attracted interest after an exceptional season between the sticks.

Carlton Palmer reacts as Ipswich Town plot potential Thomas Kaminski raid

That's in reference to Belgian shot-stopper Thomas Kaminski, who found himself under the microscope last season multiple times after continuing his fine form that saw Luton swoop for his services from Blackburn Rovers.

Having established himself as a high-standard of goalkeeper in the EFL throughout his time at Ewood Park, Carlton Palmer believes that Kaminski could be a pivotal player in the Hatters' bid to return immediately to the Premier League, despite interest from elsewhere.

"Ipswich Town are eyeing up a move for Luton Town's number one goalkeeper, Thomas Kaminski," Palmer said when speaking to Football League World.

"He wasn't able to help Luton stay in the Premier League, but after spending three impressive campaigns with Blackburn Rovers, he came to Kenilworth Road, and he's been absolutely outstanding and played in all 38 games. He's been outstanding for the club.

"In his previous years in the Championship, this shows how important he would be to Luton Town. 43 appearances, 10 clean sheets. 44 appearances, 12 clean sheets and 28 appearances, 10 clean sheets between 2020/21 and 2022/23 respectively. So, on average in the Championship, he kept over 10 clean sheets.

"The importance of Luton Town keeping him is absolutely massive.

"Luton will be hoping that Ipswich Town's pursuit of Carl Rushworth is tied up. But given the way that Thomas performed last season, there will be interested parties that will be looking to take him away from Kenilworth Road.

"But, for Rob Edwards, I think he'll be an integral part in bouncing back to the Premier League, so they do not want to lose him."

Ipswich Town target potential Plan B amid Carl Rushworth links

As Palmer referenced, the links between Ipswich and the Belgian have surfaced in recent days as a potential back-up plan should Kieran McKenna prove unsuccessful in his hopes of landing Brighton and Hove Albion's Carl Rushworth.

Similarly to Kaminski, the Seagulls keeper has excelled in the EFL - most recently at Swansea City, where he kept 10 clean sheets after playing every minute of every league game under Michael Duff, as well as even more impressive stats, such as the prevention of a further 5.5 goals.

Alan Nixon broke the link between the Tractor Boys and Kaminski, claiming that the one-time Belgian international, who is part of Dominico Tedesco's Euro 2024 squad, has been targeted as an alternative option, as Rushworth has been linked with a move to Portman Road since the beginning of last month.

Furthermore, at least one goalkeeper needs to be added to the union in Suffolk, as Czech keeper Vaclav Hladky's departure was announced on Monday morning.

No transfer fee has been mooted if Kaminski was to move to the newly-promoted side, although you would expect Gary Sweet and the Luton hierarchy to demand a pretty penny for the keeper, who was acquired for just £2.5m last term.

At 31, Kaminski is one of the most experienced in the Luton XI and, given his previous Championship pedigree, all connected with the club will be praying he commits to their own project and showcases his ability in the division once again.

However, given the form displayed in the top flight last term, at the age of 31, this could be one last route back into the top flight for the Belgian depending on what happens over the course of next season.

Either way, for Luton's sake, they will hope to fend off any interest that could come their way.