Ipswich Town are looking into the possibility of strengthening their midfielder with a surprise addition of a former Premier League winner.
Kieran McKenna's side are 18th in the Premier League after taking 16 points from 20 games - occupying the final relegation spot on goal difference.
But despite a flurry of new signings in the summer after securing promotion from the Championship, the Tractor Boys are looking to add extra bodies to their January ranks.
They've brought in Ben Godfrey on loan from Atalanta and now fresh report state that Ipswich are looking to a deal for former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic.
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The Serbian has a wealth of Premier League experience, having played 251 times and won the league twice with Chelsea.
Matic has turned out for both Roma and Rennes since ending a five-year stint United in 2022, but is currently plying his trade with Lyon in Ligue One.
Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany claims that Ipswich are exploring a deal for the 36-year-old, though the face competition from Italian sides Como, Napoli, and Fiorentina.
Matic still has a contract until 2026 and has played 18 times for Lyon in all competitions in 2024/25.
He knows McKenna well having worked with him when the Northern Irishman was a coach at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
McKenna outlines transfer hopes
Ipswich are poised to complete a £20 million deal for Jaden Philogene but McKenna is still eyeing up further additions.
Speaking after the 2-2 draw with Fulham, he said: "It's commonly known that we want to add in the forward areas as well. We've missed George Hirst for probably well over 50% of the games now, so the team has been so heavily reliant on Liam (Delap). We need support in that area.
"We'll try and add goals to the squad if possible, but I'm pretty sure every club in world football has the same wish list in January! Let's see what we can do."
Topics: Ipswich Town, Chelsea, Manchester United, Premier League, Champions League, Nemanja Matic
Josh Lawless