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Fulham, Ipswich Town 'battling for former Arsenal academy product'

Fulham, Ipswich 'battling for former Arsenal academy product'
© Reuters
Fulham and Ipswich Town are reportedly set to go head-to-head for the signature of Coventry City midfielder Ben Sheaf.

Fulham and Ipswich Town are reportedly both interested in signing Coventry City midfielder Ben Sheaf this summer.

Sheaf spent time in Arsenal's youth setup before heading out on three loan spells, including a temporary move to Coventry City in 2020-21.

After joining Coventry on a permanent basis in 2021, Sheaf has gone on to establish himself as a key figure in Mark Robins's side.

Sheaf helped the Sky Blues reach the 2022-23 Championship playoff finals, before he played his part in the club's recent FA Cup run.

In fact, the 26-year-old wore the captain's armband as Coventry fought back from three goals down in last month's semi-final, before a penalty-shootout defeat quashed their cup dreams.

Fulham manager Marco Silva reacts on February 24, 2024© Reuters

Sheaf targeting Premier League move

Sheaf is currently under contract with the Sky Blues until the summer of 2026 after signing a new deal in March 2023.

However, with Coventry set to spend another season in the Championship, Sheaf is believed to be open to the prospect of a Premier League move.

According to The Sun, Fulham and Ipswich Town are among the clubs showing an interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report suggests that Sheaf's potential suitors will have to pay a fee in the region of £10m to prise him away from the Sky Blues.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna on April 30, 2024© Reuters

Fulham set to battle newly-promoted Ipswich

Fulham and Ipswich are set to battle for Sheaf's signature, as they look to strengthen their respective squads ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season.

The Cottagers are seemingly keen to bring in a new midfielder, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Portugal international Joao Palhinha.

As for Ipswich, they are already making plans for the Premier League after sealing promotion with Saturday's 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town.

Kieran McKenna's side have seemingly identified Sheaf as a player that can help them compete in the top flight next season.

Meanwhile, Luton Town could renew their pursuit of Sheaf after failing in their efforts to land the Coventry man in January.

However, their hopes of signing the midfielder may depend on whether they are successful in their fight to remain in the Premier League.

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Ben Sully

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Fulham's Joao Palhinha in action with Bournemouth's Luis Sinisterra on February 10, 2024
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


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