Sources: Ipswich Town work on deadline-day deal for Championship goal machine
Ipswich Town are keen on QPR’s Richard Kone and are working on a deadline-day deal, sources have told Football Insider.
Ipswich are still looking to add a centre-forward on deadline day, amid hopes of strengthening their push for promotion.
The Tractor Boys have fallen to fourth after disappointing results against Preston North End and Sheffield United.
Ipswich are predicted to be promoted from the Championship, but they will need to return to the form that was seen earlier this month if they are to go up via the automatic spots.
Earlier this month, Football Insider revealed that Ipswich offered Callum Wilson an 18-month contract in their pursuit of a striker, but the 33-year-old is now set to stay at West Ham.
Ipswich Town look to add goals
Defence has been the key for Ipswich this season, with no club in the Championship having conceded less than Kieran McKenna‘s side.
Only Coventry City have scored more than the Tractor Boys, too, although that deficit stands at a huge 14 goals.
| Ipswich top scorers | Goals – Championship 2025-26 | Position |
| Jack Clarke | 12 | Winger |
| Jaden Philogene | 9 | Winger |
| George Hirst | 6 | Striker |
| Marcelino Nunez | 3 | Midfielder |
| Cedric Kipre | 2 | Centre-back |
Finding the net from the centre of the pitch has certainly proved problematic, at times, however, with Ipswich’s two top Championship scorers playing on the wing.
Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene have been prolific from wide areas, although the pressure on the former has intensified after his wing partner was ruled out for an extended period with a knee injury.
Should Ipswich manage to complete a move for a striker, a sale the other way could be sanctioned.
Football Insider revealed last week that Wrexham have made a £5million move for Sammie Szmodics, who missed Saturday’s draw with Preston.
Richard Kone performances attracting eyes
Kone arrived at QPR from Wycombe Wanderers last summer, in a deal that could potentially rise to as much as £5m.
The 22-year-old was highly sought after, having scored 21 goals in 52 games across all competitions last season, including 18 in League One.
And the striker has continued to impress this season, scoring six in the Championship so far.
Kone is a traditional striker and a composed finisher, but he is more than capable of taking on his man as well.
For a team like Ipswich, the 22-year-old can be a focal point, with his intelligent movement sure to make space for the dangerous wingers at Portman Road.