Whether or not they play in the Premier League, Ipswich Town may have a busy summer transfer window.The Tractor Boys are still aiming for a top-two finish, but they will have fierce competition as Southampton, Leeds United, and Leicester City compete for those spots. Consequently, it goes without saying that Ipswich will be entirely focused on the action on the field and their potential for success this season right now. However, as March is almost halfway through, attention will soon shift to summertime plans. A few players on the Championship team have contracts that are about to expire, therefore choices will need to be made.Kieran McKenna will be researching methods to bolster his team in the interim, whether it’s for a Premier League season or another Championship campaign. Wigan Athletic’s Charlie Hughes is a defender who has previously been touted and may be targeted once more this summer. Hughes was identified as a potential target earlier in the season, and his recent Wigan displays may have inspired Ipswich to consider a potential trade.

Charlie Hughes on why Callum McManaman is still Wigan Athletic's FA Cup 'X Factor'

It was reported by The Sun in December, that Ipswich Town had joined several sides in showing interest in Wigan Athletic defender Charlie Hughes. The report stated at the time, that the club’s scout Sam Williams had recently checked on the player, and it had been decided that Hughes fits the profile the club are looking at. However, at the time, Ipswich were not the only side interested in the centre-back, with Premier League side West Ham United also credited with an interest. Wigan Athletic’s Charlie Hughes, take a bow. Watch this 110th-minute winner versus Wycombe. #wafc ðŸ”µâšªpic.twitter.com/sGIJmCt7qT — World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) January 24, 2024 Obviously, this report was done before the January transfer window, and no move materialised for the player during that month, with him remaining at the DW Stadium and helping Wigan in League One. Hughes signed a new contract with the Latics last summer, and that runs until 2028, meaning whoever is going to buy the defender, it is going to be done at Wigan’s price.Charlie Hughes 1920

This League One season for Wigan has been very much about retaining their place in League One, firstly, and then working their way up the table. That is exactly what the Latics have done under Shaun Maloney, and Charlie Hughes has been at the heart of their success. The 20-year-old has played 34 times in the league this season, during which he has grabbed three goals and recorded a single assist.So, his performance throughout the campaign will get many plaudits, but his recent display against Leyton Orient may just be the reason why teams like Ipswich Town return with interest in the summer. Hughes played the full 90 minutes, and while he may not have contributed going forward for Wigan, he was pivotal in the club’s defence, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 win. The centre-back made four clearances during the game, while he also blocked two shots, throwing his body on the line, as per SofaScore.com. Hughes also completed one tackle and made a key interception in the 90 minutes. The Wigan defender won half of his ground duals, while he won four of his five ariel battles. On the ball, Hughes was also accomplished, something that will please McKenna and Ipswich. He completed 79 of his 91 passes, meaning he had an accuracy of 87%; he touched the ball 106 times and even had one shot on target. Hughes finished the game with a SofaScore.com match rating of 8.0, just behind his best so far, which is at 8.7. This was a very impressive defensive performance from Hughes, and one that is likely to either keep Ipswich and others interested or to have him back on their minds. This is only the 20-year-old’s second season at this level, with him playing 20 times last season in the Championship. But he looks at home, and he looks to be a player who, with patience and more development, can go to the very top and excel in a side like Ipswich.

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