Ipswich Town are reportedly prepared to offer striker George Hirst a new deal amid interest from Leeds United and Burnley.
The 26-year-old has played a bit-part role for the Tractor Boys on their return to the top table of English football for the first time in two decades.
Hirst has largely played second fiddle in Kieran McKenna's mind to Liam Delap, who is expected to leave Portman Road at the end of the campaign.
Despite this, the former England youth international has made 21 appearances in the Premier League this term, scoring twice and providing one assist.
Hirst has impressed in recent matches for Ipswich against Arsenal and Chelsea, meaning that a starting spot against Newcastle United on the weekend is a distinct possibility for the player.
© Imago
Ipswich preparing Hirst deal amid Leeds, Burnley interest?
According to Football Insider, Ipswich are looking to secure a bit of continuity in their attacking ranks ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 term.
The report claims that the Tractor Boys are keen to guarantee the long-term future of Scotland international Hirst at Portman Road, despite the striker earning admirers this term.
It is understood that McKenna's side are preparing a fresh contract for Hirst, who could fire Ipswich back to the Premier League at the first attempt next season.
The East Anglians are looking to seal a deal for the 26-year-old, with the likes of Leeds and Burnley said to be very keen on signing the forward.
With his current contract at Portman Road expiring during the summer of 2027, Hirst will be thinking carefully about the next step in his career as a critical crossroads approaches.
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Should Hirst stay or go?
With Manchester United-linked Delap highly likely to depart this summer, Hirst will have a good opportunity to become the first-choice forward for Ipswich in the Championship.
However, the lure of the top flight could prove too tempting for the striker, who is wanted by newly-promoted outfits Leeds and Burnley ahead of the summer trading point.
There is a good chance that the 26-year-old becomes bench fodder at Elland Road or Turf Moor, though, as both the Whites and the Clarets spend big in attacking areas in an attempt to compete in the Premier League.
Carter White
