Ipswich Town: Ali Al-Hamadi on his encouraging start at club

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READ MORE; 2 Championship players that Ipswich Town should sign for free this summer

The Tractor Boys should target this out of contract duo in the summer transfer window

Ipswich Town have been the surprise package of the Championship season this year.

The Tractor Boys earned promotion to the second tier in the previous campaign, and have instantly proven a top contender for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Back-to-back promotions would be a remarkable achievement for the club, with Kieran McKenna earning a lot of plaudits for his work as manager of the Suffolk outfit.

A lot of investment during the summer transfer window last year helped bridge the gap between the second and third divisions for Ipswich, helping them maintain such a high competitive level.

But more strengthening may be needed this summer, regardless of whether the team gains a top flight place or not.

While there will no doubt be money to spend, here we look at two free agent arrivals the club should target at the end of the season from fellow Championship clubs.

There is going to be a lot of competition for O’Hare this summer if he does depart Coventry City.

The midfielder is one of the standout performers in the Championship having made his return to full fitness after serious injury issues, suffering a hamstring injury before last season started before then picking up a serious knee issue.

The Sky Blues are hoping to tie down the 25-year-old to a new deal, but no agreement has yet been reached.

Ipswich should be all over this, as O’Hare would be a great addition to any of the top squads in the Championship, and should they get promoted to the Premier League then he would be an even more realistic target.

O’Hare is a versatile player that can fit into an advanced midfield role, while also being comfortable in a deeper position, and he can also bring goals to the side, having already beaten his best tally in the Championship this season with over two months to play.

He could provide strong competition for the likes of Conor Chaplin, who has been a standout performer in his own right for Ipswich this season.

As a free agent, this would be a real coup for the Tractor Boys if they could secure his signature.

Ipswich searched throughout the January window for a new forward, with George Hirst’s injury making clear the need to have adequate cover in that area.

Kieffer Moore was signed on loan from Bournemouth until the end of the campaign, but a longer-term solution will still likely be needed in the summer.

This area will absolutely need to be strengthened if Kayden Jackson leaves at the end of his contract at the end of the campaign, let alone if promotion to the top flight is secured.

Cullen could be a solid option to add some depth to the squad, with the 24-year-old proven at this level from his time at Swansea City.

While he isn’t prolific enough to become a starting striker for McKenna’s side, he should be a natural fit into the Tractor Boys’ style of play, and should be comfortable providing cover to a side competing for Premier League football.

As a potential free agent, this could prove a smart signing for the Suffolk side in order to boost their options in the final third.