Ipswich Town are ready to battle Leeds United to sign £8m Liverpool player this summer

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After beating Leeds United to promotion back in May, Ipswich Town are keen to flex their financial muscle over the Whites this summer.

Having been out of the Premier League for 22 years, the Tractor Boys are clearly ready to show they have money to spend to ensure they stay there.

Despite the difference in divisions now, Ipswich have already been linked with a handful of targets who are also on Leeds‘ radar, none more so than Joe Rodon.

Town boss Kieran McKenna is said to be a big fan of Rodon and even tried to sign him last year, so it would not be a surprise if they were to go in for him again.

As per the Daily Telegraph, they are now also in the race for soon-to-be free agent Ben Johnson, who has been linked with Leeds ever since the middle of the January transfer window.

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Leeds dealt blow in pursuit of Nat Phillips

Leeds are set to be in the market for at least two new centre-backs this summer, with Rodon’s return uncertain, Liam Cooper’s future up in the air, and Charlie Cresswell wanted in Europe.

Behind-the-scenes, Leeds will already have drawn up potential alternatives to Rodon if he opts for a move to Ipswich, or another Premier League club.

However, it would appear one of their contingencies to Rodon is also on the shortlist of Ipswich, in what would be a frustrating turn of events.

Reports emerged several weeks ago that Leeds would look at signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips this summer regardless of whether they win promotion or not.

Phillips enjoyed a solid loan spell at Cardiff City in the second half of the season and alongside the Bluebirds, Ipswich are also looking at a deal for the towering centre-back, as per the Daily Mail.

The 27-year-old was also wanted by Leeds 12 months ago until they moved for Rodon, but it would appear that interest has not gone anyway.

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Liverpool valuation for Phillips revealed amid Leeds and Ipswich interest

Phillips has just 12 months left to run on his deal at Liverpool and is already way past the age where he needs to find himself a permanent home.

Despite his age, Phillips is still yet to actually hit 100 professional appearances during his career, having spent so much time as a backup at Liverpool.

That said, Liverpool are still expected to demand in the region of £8 million to sell Phillips this summer.

It will be interesting to see if anyone comes close to meeting that valuation, or if Liverpool will be forced to lower their demands later on in the window.