Promotion-chasing Ipswich in bold transfer move to take on West Ham for signing of defender Charlie Hughes

IPSWICH joined the group chasing Wigan’s promising centre-back Charlie Hughes.

Tractor Boys chief scout Sam Williams checked on the defender last week.

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Ipswich are ready to battle West Ham for Wigan defender Charlie Hughes[/caption]

And he has decided that the 20-year-old fits the Championship club’s profile.

Hughes has also been tracked by West Ham this season.

Now he could be sold by League One Latics — who may even have to fend off bids during January.

Ipswich’s priority is a new striker.

But adding an up-and-coming defender at the right price is also an option.

Meanwhile, we also exclusively revealed that Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna may be in the middle of a managerial tug-of-war.

Both Brighton and Crystal Palace are lining him up.

The 37-year-old is trying to make the Premier League with the Tractor Boys.

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But he may get a ticket to the top on his own in the coming months.

McKenna has impressed as a No 1 after his success in a coaching role at Manchester United.

Following last season’s promotion from League One, he has led Ipswich into second place in the Championship going into 2024.