Ipswich Town defender Luke Woolfenden has suggested that he is not expecting to leave Portman Road before the end of the transfer window, amid speculation over his future.

Woolfenden has played a vital role in Ipswich’s defence so far this campaign, forming an effective partnership with both Luke Chambers and James Wilson in either as a pair, or in a back-three, making 22 appearances for Paul Lambert’s side so far this campaign.

The 21-year-old’s form has been a large reason behind Ipswich having one of the strongest defences in League One so far this term, with the Tractor Boys having shipped just 24 league goals the joint fewest in the division – and that has seen him reportedly attract the interest of Premier League Sheffield United.

Can you name the season in which these 14 Ipswich Town images were taken?

However, speaking to the media ahead of Ipswich’s meeting with Lincoln City on Saturday, Woolfenden suggested that he is not anticipating a move away before the transfer window closes, but did leave room doubt over his longer-term future.

He said: “Speculation comes with football. As far as I’m aware there haven’t been any bids.

“It’s not in my head to leave and I’m very confident I’ll be here until the end of the season.”

The verdict

These comments from Woolfenden will be a boost for the Tractor Boys, who will not be wanting to see the defender leave the club this month, as they look to battle it out to secure automatic promotion to the Championship.

Woolfenden’s form has unsurprisingly seen him be linked with potential moves away from Portman Road, but you feel it is essential that the Tractor Boys keep hold of him, with time running out to find a potential replacement for him during the last week of the window.

However, the 21-year-old’s comments are clearly not ruling a potential move away from the club in the summer, which suggests he could view his long-term future away from the club – and Ipswich will probably have to secure promotion to have a realistic chance of keeping him beyond the season.

For now though, it is vital that Woolfenden remains committed and fully focused on helping Ipswich battle it out for promotion from League One, and these latest comments suggest he is more than prepared to do that.