adminNine-goal striker snubbed Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough transfers in January
Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough made offers for Will Lankshear in January but the striker opted to stay at Oxford United, as per Pete O’Rourke.
Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough are both vying for promotion from the Championship. They sit 3rd and 2nd respectively, but the flying form of Millwall is threatening both their pushes for a top two spot.
In a bid to push themselves over the line, both sides made statement signings in the winter transfer window. The Tractor Boys brought in proven Championship stars Anis Mehmeti and Dan Neil, while Boro signed Leo Castledine and Jeremy Sarmiento amongst others.
However, it has now been claimed that one player who slipped through their fingers was Will Lankshear. Writing on X, reporter Pete O’Rourke says Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough both failed with offers for the 20-year-old striker.
Lankshear, who is on loan from Spurs with Oxford United, had opportunities to join the promotion-chasing duo. However, he opted to stay and see out the season with the U’s.
Will Lankshear makes the right call amid Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough temptation
Often when young Premier League loanees impress for a side lower down the division, they are sent to a team higher up that same league for the second half of the campaign. And, it appears Spurs ace Lankshear had the opportunity to do so.
However, with Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough sniffing around Lankshear made the right call.
Granted, joining a team higher up the Championship would have had benefits. Lankshear could have been involved in a push for Premier League football while playing in a higher quality team, possibly fast-tracking his path to top-flight football.
However, by staying with the U’s, the youngster has remained at a club where he is a key player and a regular starter. Lankshear’s place hasn’t always been guaranteed, but he has now started the last five Championship games, playing a key role in the Yellows’ run of three consecutive wins.
Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough banking on striker form in promotion push
As the fight for promotion ramps up, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough will be relying on their strikers to show the form that can get them over the line.
Kieran McKenna certainly has competition for the striker position. Both Ivan Azon and George Hirst have been in fine form of late, with the latter scoring his third in five games against Stoke City on Tuesday night.
Middlesbrough drew a blank in a damaging midweek loss to Charlton Athletic, but they have Tommy Conway, David Strelec and Kaly Sene battling for places up top.
Despite the value Lankshear could have brought, both sides have the firepower to push them to the Premier League.
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