"100%" - Ipswich Town handed Lewis Cook, Philip Billing AFC Bournemouth transfer preference claim | OneFootball

FLW's Ipswich Town fan pundit has identified who out of Bournemouth pair Lewis Cook and Philip Billing he'd rather see sign at Portman Road.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Ipswich Town have certainly had a busy summer in the way of transfers with many notable names coming in and going out of the door at Portman Road.

However, the Tractor Boys may not be done just yet.

According to the Daily Mail, Ipswich have shown a key interest in bolstering their options in midfield as they eye up a Bournemouth duo in the search of an immediate return to the Premier League.

Having already completed shrewd business so far in the midfield area with the signing of their former loan man Jens Cajuste and Azor Matusiwa from Stade Rennais, their push to sign another experienced player in this position will add quality to Kieran McKenna's squad and send out a statement of intent to the Championship that Ipswich can be a real force this season.

Ipswich Town handed Lewis Cook, Phillip Billing transfer preference claim

With Ipswich looking to strengthen their midfield, Bournemouth's Lewis Cook and Phillip Billing seem to fit McKenna's system as he looks to fill the void left by Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo's respective exits.

Football League World's Ipswich Town fan pundit, Adam Wilkin, is keen on seeing his club sign either one of the pair, but Cook seems to be edging the race.

Wilkin said, "Out of Phillip Billing and Lewis Cook, 100 per cent Lewis Cook.

"I'm very surprised to hear that Bournemouth would even be letting him leave. I think he's a phenomenal player. I think he's very unlucky not to have got an England cap in his career so far.

"When he was playing his best football and was being rumoured with England caps, he then suffered that long-term injury."

With both Cook and Billing having the ability to play many positions in their armoury, their versatility could prove to be vital for Ipswich this Championship season if struck by injury.

"I think both options provide versatility," Wilkin continued.

"Cook is probably more what we need in terms of our right central midfield profile, but he's also very good on the ball.

"I think he is the ball-playing upgrade on Sam Morsy, whereas Matusiwa has gone in as the tackling, defensive upgrade on Morsy. So it will be interesting to see how those fit in.

"He can also play right-back, which is potentially another option in our system. I'm yet to be convinced with Ben Johnson at right-back.

"Ashley Young looks solid there to be fair, and Harry Clarke is obviously out with a long-term injury, so he (Cook) would provide cover in both midfield and right-back areas."

Phillip Billing could still provide Kieran McKenna with more than just stability, but goals too

Billing, throughout his career, has been well-known to be a danger in attacking areas as well as being a gritty midfielder.

The Danish international showcased this in his standout 2021/22 Championship season for the Cherries, helping them gain promotion with the 10 goals he scored and the 10 assists provided.

McKenna with be hoping to add a weapon like Billing to his Ipswich squad and refigure that form further up the pitch in his system.

Wilkin said, "Billing, similarly, could play central midfield and would play the more attacking left-sided role, I think.

"He's also left-footed and what we've been lacking with Jack Taylor playing there a little bit, and he can play further forward in the number 10 as well, and has done previously for Bournemouth.

"Again, he's left-footed and that is a place where McKenna likes a left-footed player in there with Chaplin. I know he's trialed Szmodics there in pre-season in a different style formation, but ideally McKenna would like a left-footed 10.