Ipswich Town: Seven alternatives to former target Jaden Philogene
Ipswich Town may be on the look-out for a new winger this summer, with transfer target Jaden Philogene set to join Aston Villa. Alex Jones picks seven potential alternatives.
Sunderland transfers: Dan Ballard linked with Will Still’s RC Lens after Ipswich Town transfer interest
Dan Ballard has been linked with a move to France during the summer transfer window.
The former Arsenal centre-back has cemented himself as a key player for Sunderland after his arrival at the Stadium of Light two seasons ago following the Black Cats’ promotion to the Championship.
Earlier this summer, reports had linked newly-promoted Ipswich Town with a move for the defender with Everton also thought to have looked at the player. However, Sunderland Nation are now claiming that Ballard is the subject of fresh interest from France.
Lens head coach Will Still – who came close to taking the Sunderland job this summer before the appointment of Régis Le Bris – is said to be an admirer of Ballard with Sunderland Nation stating he is a “major” target of the Ligue 1 club. Sunderland are thought to value Ballard in the £20million region mark at the very least with Arsenal due a sell-on fee should he depart.
The 24-year-old former Blackpool and Millwall man started 43 league games for the Black Cats during the 2023-24 campaign, regularly playing alongside captain Luke O’Nien in the heart of Sunderland’s defence. Ballard was included in Le Bris’ pre-season party to Spain and arrived with his teammates as expected in the country this week. Ballard also appeared against South Shields last weekend.
Ballard signed a new four-year contract with Sunderland last August meaning the Black Cats do not need to sell the former Arsenal man and are protected in the event of transfer interest.
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Tuesday, 16th Jul 2024 21:08
Town and Nottingham Forest are reported to have joined Leicester City in showing interest in AC Milan’s Belgian international winger Alexis Saelemaekers.
The Foxes are believed to have made a bid close to the Rossoneri’s valuation for the 25-year-old, previously reported to be €12-15 million (£10-£12.6 million).
But according to Calciomercato.com, the Blues and Forest have also made enquiries regarding primarily right-sided Saelemaekers, who is surplus to requirements at the San Siro. West Ham United were previously linked.
Saelemaekers started his career with Anderlecht in his home country before moving to Milan in 2020 initially on loan before signing a permanent deal.
The 12-times-capped Belgium international spent last season with Bologna for whom he score four goals in 30 Serie A appearances.
For Milan, where he is contracted for another two seasons, he has made 111 league appearances, scoring six times.
