Premier League side Fulham are considering offering Town’s transfer-listed winger, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a dramatic route out of Portman Road.
The enigmatic 22-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by Blues boss Mick McCarthy last month and could be allowed to leave on a free transfer, with Town looking to free up their wage bill to bring in new faces.
The talented Londoner has scored eight goals in 70 games since joining the Blues from Arsenal, but has failed to be a consistent performer, leaving fans, McCarthy and his predecessor, Paul Jewell, frustrated on more than one occasion.
Despite this, the Cottagers – managed by Martin Jol – have sounded out Ipswich and the player’s representatives, having watched the former Cardiff and Doncaster loanee on several occasions last season.
A move back to the Capital may suit Emmanuel-Thomas, who has a year left on his deal at Portman Road, and a source close to Craven Cottage said: “Fulham like the look of Jay and are considering making a move, although they would not be prepared to pay a fee.
“He has been in and out of the Ipswich team but, with the extra finances clubs like Fulham have from being in the Premier League, they would be prepared to take a chance on a player who they feel can turn a game.”
The winger was a loan target for several teams in the January transfer window, but McCarthy refused to sanction a move – a decision that reaped its rewards for a short spell towards the end of the season, with Emmanuel-Thomas making crucial contributions in the home wins against Leicester, Bolton and Leeds.
