Leeds United have been told to forget about signing Tom Lawrence – by Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy.
Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has told the East Anglian Daily Times that there is no chance of winger Tom Lawrence leaving the club for Leeds United before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
The Tractor Boys were in action at Preston North End earlier today, and picked up a 1-1 draw at Deepdale with loan star Lawrence again catching the eye.
Lawrence, owned by Leicester City, scored a stunning opener for Ipswich as he cut inside two defenders from the left wing and smashed home a superb strike into the far corner.
Tom Lawrence of Ipswich Town scores
Preston hit a late equaliser through Jordan Hugill, but Lawrence again stole the show with his sixth goal in his last six games for the Tractor Boys.
The Welsh winger, 23, is on loan from Leicester until the end of the season, and his tally for the season now stands at eight goals and four assists in all competitions this term.
Whilst he’s on loan at Portman Road, The Chronicle report that Leeds United are interested in signing the former Manchester United youngster, which would involve the player’s loan being terminated and then sold on.
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy
After the final whilst at Deepdale today, Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy told the East Anglian Daily Times that there is ‘no way’ that Lawrence will be leaving the club this month, as there is no recall clause, and the only way Lawrence can return to Leicester is if Ipswich decide they don’t want him anymore – something that clearly isn’t about to happen.
McCarthy added that he’s told Leeds to forget about signing Lawrence, whilst noting that Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers are also keen on Lawrence, and categorically ruling out any departure for the wide man before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
“I spoke to Jon Rudkin (Leicester’s director of football) the other day and as far as they are concerned he’s with us,” said McCarthy. “We have a commitment with them until the end of the season and they have a commitment to us. The only way that can be broken is if we say ‘we don’t want Tom Lawrence’. Well that’s going to happen isn’t it?!”
“There are clubs interested. I think Cardiff are interested, I’m told QPR are interested and I’ve also been told Leeds are interested. I’ve told Leeds that he is with us until the end of the season, so they are kind of p*****g in the wind.”
“Tom will have a really good choice of clubs at the end of the season. I see no reason why a Premier League club won’t take him. He’s at a Premier League club now. Leicester haven’t received any bids. He’s with us. There is no way, anyhow, I will be sanctioning Tom Lawrence going anywhere else. Is that categoric enough for you?” he added.
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