Ipswich Town close in on £3.9m signing as 3-years deal edges toward completion

Ipswich Town reignited their push for an instant return to the Premier League with a composed 2-0 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night.

The response was emphatic after Saturday’s chaotic 5-3 defeat to play-off rivals Wrexham at the Stok Cae Ras, as Kieran McKenna’s men produced a disciplined display to hand Edward Still his first loss since succeeding Javi Gracia earlier this month.

With Millwall still to face Birmingham City at The Den, Ipswich’s 16th win in 32 Championship fixtures lifted them to third on 57 points, level with Hull City and six adrift of Middlesbrough, who have now gone three matches without success.

Following relegation from the top flight last season their first campaign there since 2002 after back-to-back promotions under McKenna expectations around Portman Road have soared. Many tipped the Suffolk side to storm to the Championship title, underlining the strength in depth assembled despite the drop.

Promotion may yet come via a different route, but a swift return to the elite level would only enhance Ipswich’s ability to attract even greater talent to an already well-stocked squad.

And although the January window only recently shut, attention is already turning to a deal that appears close to completion.

Permanent move lined up for Cedric Kipre

After relegation, McKenna reshaped his squad to mount an immediate promotion bid. While Ipswich broke the Championship transfer record with a £17.5m move for Norwegian forward Sindre Walle Egeli, one of the savvier pieces of business was securing defender Cedric Kipre on loan from Stade de Reims.

The 29-year-old, previously of Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion, has brought valuable second-tier experience, making 26 appearances in all competitions. His defensive presence and aerial strength have proven vital, contributing three goals including one in the East Anglian derby against Norwich City.

Reports suggest Ipswich are now looking to activate a €4.5m (£3.9m) option-to-buy clause to secure Kipre permanently, with talks between the clubs progressing.

Questions remain over how prominent a role Kipre would play back in the Premier League, with some believing his physical style is ideally suited to the Championship. Others feel players such as Jacob Greaves could take on greater responsibility at the higher level.

Still, in an era where squad depth is crucial, committing to an experienced and relatively affordable defender could represent a calculated and sensible move as Ipswich continue to chase their top-flight ambitions.