"Wouldn't be a shock to see it happen" - Ipswich Town transfer focus on Hull City | OneFootball

FLW's verdict on Ipswich Town's proposed pursuit of Hull City's Jacob Greaves

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Ipswich Town are eyeing a move for Hull City’s Jacob Greaves this summer.

According to The Telegraph, the Tractor Boys have set their sights on the centre-back ahead of their return to the Premier League.

That comes after Kieran McKenna committed his future to the Suffolk outfit following their promotion to the top flight, amid reports of a move to Chelsea or Brighton.

Jacob Greaves' importance to Hull City

Greaves has been a standout figure for the Tigers in recent seasons, particularly in the last 12 months as the team pushed for a play-off place in the Championship.

But Hull’s failure to go up has raised questions over his future at the MKM Stadium, with Ipswich facing competition to his signature from West Ham and Everton.

Greaves earned a lot of plaudits for his performances last season, helping the team finish seventh in the table, featuring 43 times in the league (stats from Fbref).

Jacob Greaves is worth potential £20 million fee

Here we ask our FLW writers their verdict on whether a move to Ipswich would be a good next step for Greaves, or if the Tractor Boys should pursue other options…

Declan Harte

This is the exact kind of smart signing Ipswich should be making to strengthen their team for life in the Premier League.

While a deal around the £20 million mark may be needed, this would be good long-term business for McKenna’s side if they can afford it.

Ipswich do need to be smart about how they spend their money this summer, as they can’t simply blow everything on the hopes of staying up, as that’s too risky.

Other areas of the team should be prioritised over centre-back first, but if they have the room for Greaves then it would make sense.

He is a left-sided centre-back that’s comfortable on the ball, which makes him an ideal fit to come into the Ipswich backline.

Greaves’ passing numbers last season were fantastic for a defender, attempting 3.74 progressive passes per 90, with an overall pass completion rate of 88.2 per cent, making him a great resource in build-up.

Defensively, he is also rock solid, making 1.77 tackles, 4.60 clearances and 1.02 interceptions per 90 in the Championship last year.

He’s even shown a minor attacking threat from defence, making him a very strong package.

Greaves is ready to step up to the Premier League and, at 23, still has room for improvement.

This is a player that could become even more valuable in the long run if he can establish himself in the top flight with Ipswich, which could make the £20 million Hull may receive this summer look like nothing in a few years.

Alfie Burns

We often see promoted sides looking to pick up the cream of the Championship and this case is no different.

Ipswich need to improve right through their side after rapid promotions from League One to the Premier League with largely the same squad and, it could be argued that it is their defence that needs the most work.

If McKenna is fishing in the market of the Championship for centre-back upgrades, Greaves is up there with the very best options.

He's a commanding presence, defensively sound (producing very decent numbers as is shown above) and is really good on the ball. One other standout is that he's a left-sided centre-back option, which isn't easy to come by in the market.

Ipswich won't want to overpay, but they'll have to give Hull a good price for Greaves. Ultimately, if the Championship is where the Tractor Boys are doing their shopping, some decent fees will have to be paid out.

One mid-term perk of Greaves arriving is that, if Ipswich come straight back down, they know he's capable of cutting it at the level of the Championship.

There's not much at all wrong with the deal. The player is ready and Ipswich are a club on the rise - one you'd want to play for under McKenna. It wouldn't be a shock to see it happen.