- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Ipswich Town have identified their number one goalkeeping transfer target this summer.
Ipswich Town are embarking on their first season back in the Premier League with Kieran McKenna guiding the East Anglian side to back to back promotions.
The club are already hopeful of pulling off one transfer deal with sources confirming to HITC that West Ham United defender Ben Johnson has chosen to move to the promoted side, despite looking likely to extend his contract at the Hammers this summer.
It now appears McKenna’s side have identified who they want to be their number one goalkeeper heading into the new Premier League season in August.
Ipswich identify goalkeeping target
HITC understands that Ipswich have made England Under-21 international Carl Rushworth their top target to be their new number one next season and they are in talks with Brighton & Hove Albion to take the Englishman to Portman Road.
Last season, Rushworth spent the campaign on loan at Swansea City and made 46 appearances for the Jacks and kept 10 clean sheets.
Rushworth did concede 65 goals during the campaign but nevertheless, the Englishman performed well for the Welsh side.
When Swansea City boss Luke Williams was asked whether Rushworth could one day play in the Premier League or even England’s first team, he told The Argus: “Yes, he’s that good.
“But it’s not just about how good you are as a player or goalkeeper. It’s also about the personality, and he’s top.”
Ipswich convinced of Rushworth’s quality
It appears that Swansea boss Williams is not the only one who was convinced that Rushworth could play in the Premier League.
Ipswich believe that Rushworth did enough during his season long loan in the EFL Championsship to warrant a chance in the Premier League.
McKenna’s side are understood to be hopeful of completing a deal for the 22-year-old goalkeeper this week.
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