Ipswich Town have joined the race to take Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo on loan next month, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.
The 21-year-old looks set to depart Old Trafford on a third temporary move once the transfer window opens next week following previous spells at Rangers and Sunderland. His time at Ibrox was underwhelming, but the winger came into his own at the Stadium of Light.
Having scored 14 goals in 42 appearances for the Black Cats, Amad picked up the club’s Young Player of the Year award and he has been linked with a return to Wearside ever since.
The Ivory Coast international has made no secret of his desire to break into Erik ten Hag’s plans at the Red Devils, although he suffered a knee injury during pre-season which has ruled him out of the entirety of the campaign thus far. A return is imminent and the United gaffer has indicated that he could return to the squad for Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
United are keen to retain the services of the former Golden Boy nominee, but the form of Alejandro Garnacho, plus other right-wing options such as Antony, Facundo Pellistri and Marcus Rashford mean that he could be granted another loan move in order to regain match fitness.
Championship outfit Southampton are in the hunt as they look to bolster their bid for promotion, as are Premier League clubs Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Of course, Sunderland are heavily linked but the departure of Tony Mowbray may have ended their interest.
According to Witcoop however, Ipswich Town have now joined the race following the news that striker George Hirst is set for an extended spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Ipswich to step up their striker search after George Hirst ruled out long term and Dane Scarlett’s loan ended. Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, who is also wanted by Southampton, among the players on the Ipswich wish list. #itfc #soton
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) December 28, 2023
The Tractor Boys have lost ground in the title race in recent weeks after two draws and a defeat in their last three games. They now sit six points behind leaders Leicester City but more importantly, they have opened up an opportunity to the chasing pack. Third-placed Southampton are now just five points behind the East Anglian outfit, whilst Leeds United are a further three points back in fourth.
Kieran McKenna will be hoping to get back to winning ways tomorrow night when they host relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers at Portman Road.
Writer’s View
With so much Premier League interest, it is going to be tough to convince Amad Diallo to drop back down to the Championship again. The attacker is keen to gain regular first team minutes in the top tier in order to force his way into Erik ten Hag’s plans and a move to a club such as Everton could represent a good opportunity.
However, Kieran McKenna still has a good relationship with Manchester United and will have worked with the player during his time at the Theatre of Dreams. He will be hoping that a reunion may appeal to the youngster, whilst also helping a team achieve promotion after coming so close with Sunderland last season.
Head of Writing
