The latest transfer news as Ipswich Town race to hijack a deal targeted by Birmingham City and Celtic

Ipswich Town have reportedly joined Birmingham City and Celtic in the race to sign one of the English Football League’s most in-demand players.

The Tractor Boys, recently relegated from the Premier League to the Championship, are eager to get their squad in the best possible shape to challenge for an immediate promotion back to the top flight. In order to do just that, Ipswich are reportedly keen on Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku and are set to table an official offer.

Poku is out of contract at Peterborough this summer and has rejected the new deal the Posh offered. The former Colchester United man has attracted interest from over 25 potential suitors - including Birmingham and Celtic - and has been considering his options over the past few months. Now it appears he has yet another club keen.

Football League World reports Ipswich have joined the race to sign Poku, officially registering an interest. It’s stated that it will be difficult for Kieran McKenna’s side to beat financial powerhouses Blues and Celtic to the signing, but an attempt is being made regardless.

Alternatively, Poku could be on his way to Celtic’s bitter Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers. TEAMtalk reports Poku is lined up for a move to the Ibrox Stadium to join up with new Rangers boss Russell Martin, with the player set to accept their offer.

It’s understood Birmingham have taken a step back in their pursuit of Poku as there are frustrations over how long the winger is taking to make his decision. This doesn’t mean Blues are out of the race completely as their contract offer is still on the table. It does mean, however, that alternatives are being shortlisted.

How would Kwame Poku fit in at Birmingham City?

If Poku decides to join Birmingham instead of Ipswich, Celtic or any of the other wealth of clubs interested, he could be a great addition. A low-risk and bargain signing due to the lack of transfer fee and relatively cheap compensation, Poku could not only plug a hole for Blues but also turn out to be an important player – even if his salary demands are over the odds.

It’ll be difficult for the Ghanaian to make the step back up to the Championship after three seasons outside the second tier, but he has shown signs of real quality in League One. His first season as a regular starter, 2022/23, didn’t exactly go to plan as he only scored four times in 37 games, but the 2023/24 campaign that followed saw a return of 11 goals in 37 outings.

Poku built on his successful 2023/24 with an even better 2024/25 as he contributed 12 goals and eight assists in 27 League One appearances. The 23-year-old, predominantly a right winger, likes to cut onto his favoured left foot and would likely be fielded in that role if he were to make the move to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

The Peterborough man showed Birmingham fans signs of what he can do at Wembley Stadium as he dazzled with his pace and flair on several Posh counter-attacks. Blues won’t look back at the Vertu Trophy final fondly due to the 2-0 defeat, but the two meetings with Peterborough in the space of a week did allow Davies and co to see Poku in the flesh.

One area Birmingham could do with strengthening is out wide as Chris Davies has had to play attacking midfielders as inverted wingers for much of this season. Kieran Dowell and Willum Willumsson have enjoyed decent spells on the right flank, for instance, but it’d be handy to have another Keshi Anderson type to inject some pace and flair. Poku could be just that.