Ipswich Town: Blues eye move for Burnley winger Wilson Odobert

Pete O’Rourke of FootballInsider, who broke the news that Town are 'plotting a move' to sign the Frenchman, has reported that the Clarets are 'inclined to keep Odobert', but they 'may be forced to reluctantly sell him if he pushes for a move back to the Premier League'.

Blues boss Kieran McKenna stressed the need for extra recruits following Saturday's pre-season friendly defeat to Fortuna Dusseldorf, with extra depth required out wide following the news that Nathan Broadhead will miss at least two months with a hamstring injury.

Ipswich agreed a deal to sign Jaden Philogene from Hull City earlier this summer, but he opted to re-join former club Aston Villa instead.

Odobert would be a suitable alternative, having joined Burnley from French side Troyes after starting his youth career at Paris Saint-Germain. The 19-year-old featured 29 times in the Premier League last season, registering three goals and two assists.

He is comfortable playing on both flanks, having also started up front for the Clarets when required.

Currently away representing France at the Olympic Games in Paris, Odobert is a player of interest to McKenna, although Ipswich are yet to approach Scott Parker's side with a formal bid.

The winger bagged three goals and two assists in the Premier League last season (Image: PA)

Alex's verdict

This is clearly an area that Ipswich need to strengthen, with Broadhead's injury making it even more important that they get bodies through the door as soon as possible.

We're still waiting on an update on Wes Burns too, with the Welshman hobbling off in the early stages of Saturday's game at Portman Road after rolling his ankle.

Marcus Harness impressed in that defeat and Omari Hutchinson is edging closer to a return to action, but the Blues need more. Odobert ticks a lot of the boxes, being young and versatile with a full season of Premier League football under his belt.

He is, however, seen as a crucial player at Burnley, who are well backed and not in a position where they need to sell. The Clarets have already moved on Arijanet Muric, who joined Town a couple of weeks ago, but seem determined to keep the core of their current squad.

Odobert is clearly seen as an important player, one who could run riot in the Championship if he stays in Lancashire, so it'd take a pretty significant fee to get him this summer.