Exclusive: Watford backed to seal Ipswich Town transfer - Coventry and Stoke are also keen | OneFootball

Don Goodman spoke exclusively to FLW about the Hornets' interest in the Ipswich Town defender.

Ipswich Town's Luke Woolfenden has emerged as a target for Championship sides Watford, Coventry City and Stoke City.

After Coventry reportedly had a bid rejected by the Tractor Boys for Woolfenden, the Hornets are now believed to be major contenders for the 26-year-old centre-back, according to TWTD.

The Suffolk outlet also claimed Stoke City are among the clubs interested - the Potters have won all three of their league games as of 27 August and sit top of the table.

Watford conceded 61 goals in 24/25 and finished 11 points out of the playoff places in 14th. So far in the league this season, they've conceded three goals.

What Don Goodman has said about Watford winning the race for Luke Woolfenden

Speaking exclusively to FLW about Watford's apparent interest in Woolfenden, Sky Sports' Don Goodman believes the defender is exactly the type of signing the club needs to address their concerns at the back.

"I’ve got to be honest, I look at Watford, and I like the squad that they’ve put together, but I do think that the biggest area that needs addressing is their defence," Goodman claimed.

"So, in that regard, it’s good that they’re being linked with Luke Woolfenden."

The former striker, who made nearly 600 Football League appearances during his playing career, was particularly impressed by Woolfenden during Town's promotion campaign in 23/24.

"(Woolfenden) Started 40 games when Ipswich got promoted from the Championship to the Premier League, didn’t start too many Premier League games to be fair but has proven pedigree at Championship level," Goodman told FLW.

During that promotion campaign, Woolfenden won 121 duels and 70.3% of tackles as Ipswich finished second, yet made just 15 appearances in the Premier League last season.

An academy graduate of the club, he signed a contract extension until 2027 with an option for a further year in January.

Luke Woolfenden is "exactly what Watford need" according to Goodman

Under former manager Tom Cleverley, Watford's defensive stats painted a somewhat concerning picture.

They conceded the highest non-penalty expected goals (xGA) in the Championship at 25.71 while also allowing opponents the highest average shot quality at 0.12.

Watford have only signed two centre-backs so far this summer, those being Max Alleyne and James Abankwah coming in on season-long loans from Manchester City and Udinese respectively.

Goodman thinks Woolfenden could be the right fit for the Hornets, telling FLW, "I think that’s exactly what Watford need if they’re going to progress, really.

"I think they’ve got all the young, attacking flair but I do think they need a bit more defensive solidity.

"They’re certainly looking in the right area and in Luke Woolfenden they would get someone with proven Championship pedigree.

In total, Woolfenden has played 215 times for Ipswich since 2017, and has managed to score five goals.

Luke Woolfenden transfer saga heats up

Ipswich's manager, Kieran McKenna, has opened up about how he wants to keep Woolfenden in Suffolk - but has admitted that these "situations aren't always simple."

As previously mentioned, Coventry have already seen an approach turned down and Stoke are understood to be another serious contender.

Sheffield United, who were reportedly long-term admirers of the centre-back and showed apparent interest last winter, aren't thought to be in the running.

For Watford, securing Woolfenden would definitely be a shrewd piece of business. The defender offers the experience that Goodman believes they desperately need, and he could be a mainstay in the team for years at 26-years-old.

As the transfer window approaches deadline day, the Hornets' pursuit of probably needs to gather momentum fast if they are to fend off competition from Frank Lampard's Coventry and league-leaders Stoke.