Ipswich & Southampton open talks to sign EFL star

After three promotions and relegations under Kieran McKenna so far, Ipswich Town's journey will be hoping for something calmer next season – just Premier League survival.

Both Sunderland and Leeds United have shown the way in 2025/26, in keeping with the style of recent years, ensuring that the Bulldozer Boys can attack next season with real hope that they can better their previous, short spell in the top flight.

A lot could depend on the quality of the two leading goalscorers this season, in Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene, the wingers who bagged 28 Championship goals between them in this successful promotion campaign.

Reports would suggest that McKenna is now ready to add to his attacking options even further, although he may face a battle with the likes of Southampton in the race to sign an exciting target.

Ipswich and Southampton are making early moves to sign the £500k star

Ahead of Ipswich's last top-flight campaign, the task was overwhelming to sign young, exciting long-term talent, be it Clarke, Philogene, Liam Delap or Omari Hutchinson, with McKenna bringing in players who had impressed in the EFL, though not in the Premier League.

That's a trend to follow this time around, with the promoted side featuring the likes of AZ Alkmaar hotshot Troy Parrott, with the Irishman having previously spent much of his time in the Championship and League One away from former club Tottenham Hotspur.

A full presence in Holland and his country, Parrott could be ready, although reports also suggest that Ipswich could be among the clubs ready to gamble on an exciting star, in the form of Huddersfield Town's Cameron Ashia.

As reported by the Daily Mail, both McKenna's side and the Saints appear to have already held talks over a deal for the 21-year-old, who have 'registered their interest' in him.

That comes amid 'first inquiries' from the likes of Celtic and Rangers, with Ashia also seeking interest from several Bundesliga clubs, in the form of Stuttgart and Hoffenheim.

For anyone who will move up the line, the former Derby County man is likely to cost just £500k, despite having seen his contract extended by another year.

Why Ashia could be the next Philogene in Ipswich

Southampton will have their own desire to bring Ashia to St Mary's, although if he ends up at Portman Road, the Tractor Boys could find their next Philogene.

Limitedly signed in January 2025, the former Aston Villa man enjoyed a strong 2025/26 campaign in front of goal, scoring 12 times despite starting 24 Championship games throughout the season.

It may not have worked for the 24-year-old in his two spells at Villa Park, although he did excel in the EFL, scoring five goals for Cardiff City in 2022/23, while he grabbed 18 goals and assisted the following year at Hull City.

It's early days, though young Ashia looks to be cut from the same cloth, another pedestrian, fearless striker who does most of his work on the left side.

Indeed, like Philogene, he kills a lot on his favorite right foot, recalling a wonderful effort against Leicester City in August.

His desire to run at defenders and beat his own man, like Philogene, has also prompted interesting comparisons with Manchester City's Jeremy Doku, the Belgian who currently leads Pep Guardiola's title-winning side with three goals in his last two games.

Ashia's form didn't quite explode in 2025/26, although he did rack up nine goals and 31 assists in all competitions, his first real season in senior football.

That includes a return of three goals and three assists in just 21 games for the Terriers in League One, despite starting just four times, mirroring Philogene in proving something of a change despite not being a regular starter.

He had to overcome the disappointment of his release from Derby County in 2023 – similar to Philogene's frustration at Villa – although having found consolation at Huddersfield, the England man looks to be taking his opportunity with both hands.

It's no surprise to see the flamboyant talent receiving such widespread interest, with Ipswich and the Saints seemingly ready to pounce on what could be their next attacking sensation.