Ipswich Town news: Kwame Poku claim, Liam Delap exit decision, parachute payments talk | OneFootball

All the latest news surrounding Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town are preparing for life back in the Championship this summer following their relegation from the Premier League.

The Tractor Boys earned an impressive return to the top flight 12 months ago, but a 19th place finish has seen them come straight back to the second tier.

The Suffolk outfit will be keen to compete for promotion once again, with their long-term sights set on establishing themselves at that level.

Kieran McKenna has earned a lot of praise for his work at Portman Road, and he will be keen to bounce back next season after a disappointing year in the first division.

Here we look at all the latest news surrounding Ipswich ahead of their Championship return…

Football finance expert gives Ipswich promotion prediction

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has claimed that Ipswich have the resources to compete for promotion to the Premier League this season amid fears they could repeat Luton Town’s decline back down to League One.

The Hatters gained promotion to the top flight, but finished 22nd in the second division table in their first year back, suffering back-to-back relegations.

But Maguire is confident that the Suffolk outfit have what it takes to follow a similar trajectory to Burnley and Leeds United.

“I think that the bookies have probably got it right [that Ipswich are promotion favourites],” said the finance expert, via the East Anglian Daily Times.

“We’ve seen parachute payments turn into trampoline payments over the course of the last two years.

“Burnley and Leeds United were both in receipt of parachute payments, they were automatically promoted.

“There’s an opportunity. Portman Road is a good stadium, there’s a solid fanbase, a decent capacity. I think you’ve got owners who have the resources and are willing to back the manager as far as the summer is concerned.

“People are asking whether we have two or three Premier Leagues.

“We have a big seven or eight, then the middle classes and nine to 10 clubs fighting over six positions who are bouncing between the Championship and the Premier League.

“I think Ipswich Town have all of the resources to join that group.

“They have been up, come down and are rightly deemed to be a club with the opportunity to bounce back.”

Lee Hendrie gives Kwame Poku verdict

It was exclusively revealed by FLW earlier this month that Ipswich are among the clubs eyeing a move for Kwame Poku this summer.

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Lee Hendrie claimed that the Tractor Boys could be in danger of losing some key players in the transfer market.

So, he believes that Poku is someone that fits the bill of McKenna’s style of play, and could bolster their attacking options if some stars do leave.

“Kwame Poku, obviously lots of interest that surrounds Poku from Peterborough United,” said Hendrie.

“Ipswich are the ones that are looking like they could potentially sign him.

“I know he's linked with many clubs across the Championship.

“I think Ipswich are going to lose players which they have done up to know.

“He probably fits the bill for them.

“I really do feel that the way they play, their style, they utilise wingers, wide players, and he’s quite versatile.

“He could play in a number of areas across the front line.

“So, I think he'd be a really good signing for Ipswich, if that is to come off.”

Liam Delap opens up on Ipswich exit

Liam Delap has already had his exit from Portman Road confirmed, making the switch to Chelsea following the club’s relegation.

The forward scored 12 times for McKenna’s side in the Premier League, but that wasn’t enough to help keep the team in the division.

The 22-year-old claimed he went with his gut when choosing the Blues, having also had interest from Manchester United, and that qualifying for Europe wasn’t a major reason for the move to Stamford Bridge.

"You never know if it is going to be the right decision but you've just got to go with your gut and hope it works out," said Delap, via the BBC.

"You've got to take your time.

“I took a few days to speak to people and decide my future.