‘Conversations ongoing’: McKenna claims more new contracts are in the works

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna says the team is trying to sign more of its promotion-winning talents to new contracts.

Winger Wes Burns and goalkeeper Christian Walton recently signed new two-year contracts after helping the Blues progress from League One to the Premier League.

They joined Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo in extending their time on Portman Road.

“It’s very important that we keep a good core of players who have been a really, really important part of the journey over the last couple of years,” said McKenna, who spent more than £100 million on transfers this summer to reinforce his team with 12 new recruits.

“As we grow and develop as a football club and bring in new players, those who have been a part of the journey will help with integration both on and off the pitch.

“These guys have contributed much to the training ground culture. Christian, in his goalkeeping role, is a prime illustration of this. Wes has delivered the Premier League performances that we had hoped for and expected, including a strong start against Liverpool, and he is also a positive and popular figure on the training field. Both have significant roles to perform.

“We want to maintain that balance this season between guys who have been with us and new players who we believe can help and add to us. I believe where we are at the end of the transfer window strikes a nice balance and is roughly where we intended to be.

“Getting that blend correct is how we intend to build and develop the squad.

“Those two youngsters receiving contracts are a good indication of the approach we wish to follow.

“I think there are conversations ongoing with some others in terms of them receiving and committing to new contracts.”

Leif Davis, Luke Woolfenden, Axel Tuanzebe, and Cameron Burgess are all in their final year of contracts, however Ipswich does have a one-year extension option for Davis.