It’s fair to say that Ipswich Town are struggling to retain their Championship status under Paul Lambert – and their job just got a lot harder.

It was revealed by the club that Freddie Sears is set to be ruled out for up to nine months, which will come as a huge blow to their survival chances.

The winger hasn’t made the most notable of contributions this season, but his hard work ethic often goes unnoticed.

He’ll leave a notable void in the Ipswich team, and Lambert will surely be tempted to dip into the free agent market to find a replacement.

You have to fear, that if he doesn’t sign a replacement for the 29-year-old then it could be the final nail in the coffin for the Tractor Boys.

But which free agents should Lambert be looking at to replace Sears?

Find out below….

Ricardo Vaz Te

Vaz Te has been a free agent since his he had his contract terminated at the end of 2018 with Chinese side, Henan Jianye after a successful first half of the season in China.

The former West Ham and Charlton forward netted 11 goals in 20 starts for Henan and certainly can still score goals.

He didn't score in 12 Championship appearances for Charlton Athletic in his most recent spell in England and he'll be keen to silence his doubters.

Victor Anichebe 

The powerful striker has been a free agent since an unsuccessful spell in China came to an end in January 2018, and he is more than good enough for a number of Championship clubs including Ipswich.

At the age of 30, he is coming into his prime years, and Paul Lambert's side could certainly benefit from having a striker of his presence up-front for them for the remainder of the season.

Jo Inge Berget

The Norwegian forward was most recently at New York City in the MLS, but left the club towards the end of January and is currently without a club.

Berget ha previously played for the likes of Celtic, Cardiff and Malmo, and would be more than good enough for an Ipswich side that desperately are in need of goals to save themselves from relegation.

He would take some persuading, but would be an excellent signing for the Tractor Boys.