Reports from Italy suggest that Ipswich Town have made a late move for midfielder Jens Cajuste, prompting him to delay his expected transfer to Turkish side Besiktas.
Cajuste, who made 30 appearances for the Blues in the Premier League last season while on loan from Napoli, has attracted attention from several clubs after Ipswich’s relegation. Despite the drop to the Championship, manager Kieran McKenna previously stated that the club would like to bring Cajuste back, although he “admitted that it would be a difficult deal to do.”
Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Udinese had also shown interest, but Besiktas appeared to be leading the race. According to Fabrizio Romano, an agreement had been reached for a loan move with a €6.5 million option to buy.
However, the situation has reportedly changed. As revealed by Alfredo Pedullà via Football Italia, Ipswich’s late approach has caused Cajuste to pause the move. While Besiktas have been working to finalise terms with Napoli, they have yet to come to an agreement with the player himself. With Ipswich back in the picture, the Swedish international is now said to be “expected to take his time and evaluate his best next steps.”
In an exclusive interview with the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star, Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton commented: “A deal or Jens to be here for the long term, it would need to be something that’s right for us – and that dialogue continues.”
