Ipswich Town have been linked with Norwich City’s Ben Marshall.
According to a report in The Sun (paper edition page 59; 16/12), Ipswich Town are seeking a loan deal for Norwich City’s Ben Marshall, as they bid to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window.
Marshall only joined Norwich from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, signing a four-year deal, but so far he has managed just four Championship starts – with his last appearance coming back in August.
The 27-year-old is capable of playing in a wide midfield role or at right-back, but Norwich have several options with youngster Max Aarons a regular first-teamer, while ex-captain Ivo Pinto providing adequate backup.
Ipswich, on the other hand, are desperate for a new fullback in January, as they alternate between Jordan Spence and Janoi Donacien – two players who have struggled at Championship level following stints in the lower leagues.
The Tractor Boys are currently bottom of the league and recorded only their second win of the campaign at the weekend, as beating Wigan Athletic 1-0 – a result which takes them within five points of safety.
Ipswich boss Paul Lambert knows Norwich’s Marshall well during his time at Blackburn Rovers and later signing him during his short spell at Wolves.
Lambert wants to get his Ipswich side playing on the front foot, and during his most successful years at Norwich – guiding the Canaries to promotion to the Premier League – he utilised attacking fullbacks pushing forward.
Ipswich, however, don’t have the personnel to play this way, with left-back Jonas Knudsen another player who appears reluctant to surge forward. Marshall, 27, once scored six goals and made seven assists in 37 league games in the 2014/15 campaign at Blackburn, so he clearly has the ability to make a difference when entering the final third.
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