Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ryan Kent are the latest two players to be linked to Ipswich Town ahead of the new Premier League season.

Express Sport reports that the Blues are keen on bringing midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain back to England from Turkish club Besiktas, but that 'there is nothing concrete between the two clubs at this stage' and 'salary could be a stumbling block in negotiations, with former club Southampton also linked'.

The 30-year-old made 235 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and Liverpool between 2011 and 2023, also earning 35 caps for England. He joined Besiktas on a three-year deal last summer but was sidelined for almost four months at the start of this year following a thigh tear. 

Meanwhile, Turkish news outlet Haber Ekspres reports that left-winger Ryan Kent will leave Fenerbache 'in the coming day to sign a contract with Ipswich Town'.

Kent, 27, came through the youth ranks at Liverpool and had EFL loan spells with Coventry, Barnsley and Bristol City before eventually ending up at Rangers. He produced 33 goals and 56 assists over five seasons for the Scottish giants before signing a four-year deal with Fenerbache last summer when his contract expired.

It's said he almost joined Lazio on loan in January, while he has been linked with Championship duo Leeds and Hull this summer as a potential replacement for Crysencio Summerville and Jaden Philogene respectively.

Fenerbache are managed by Jose Mourinho, the man Blues boss Kieran McKenna assisted at Manchester United.

 

Stu's verdict

Midfield and left-wing are two positions that Ipswich clearly need to strengthen in, but I'm told there's nothing in these latest two reports.

We're heading towards the final three weeks of the transfer window and players are going to be linked to the Blues left, right and centre. We'll continue to try and separate the fact from the fiction for you.