Ipswich Town are interested in signing a £3.5m World Cup defender who is at the top of his game, according to David Ornstein.

Ipswich Town’s Premier League signings

The Tractor Boys have been doing everything they can to buck the trend and remain in the Premier League after winning back-to-back promotions from League One under Kieran McKenna.

However, as things stand, Ipswich occupy one of the three relegation spots alongside Leicester City and Southampton with their most recent 3-2 defeat coming at Old Trafford to 10-player Man Utd despite a brace from Jaden Philogene.

Ipswich chiefs have backed McKenna in both the summer and January transfer markets, though, bringing in a number of new players and splashing the cash.

Now, attention appears to be on the summer window, and a new target has emerged as Ipswich look to add to their defensive ranks.

Ipswich Town want to sign £3.5m defender, says Ornstein

According to reliable transfer reporter Ornstein of The Athletic, relayed by The Celtic Way, Ipswich Town are keen on signing Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, joining Premier League rivals Fulham in the race for a deal.

“I know Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston is generating attention from clubs in England, with Fulham among his admirers. The Canada international recently signed a new contract at Parkhead and isn’t known to be unhappy – but there was firm interest in January.

“From what I hear, it’s not only Fulham but also Ipswich and others who are looking at him. Johnston was longlisted for the Best FIFA Men’s XI last year, so this is probably no surprise, and I’d expect more suitors to emerge from the Premier League and across Europe in the summer.”

Johnston made the move to Celtic in January 2023 for an initial £3.5m and has gone from strength to strength at Parkhead, with his Transfermarkt valuation now at a career high €9m.

A Canada international who has represented his country at the World Cup, Johnston is primarily a right-back but can also play as a centre-back or right midfielder.

You’d expect that with the 26-year-old’s growing reputation, Ipswich will need to remain in the top flight to have a chance of signing Johnston, but a deal could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months.