Ipswich are keen to sign Player of the Season as a replacement for Christian Walton

Ipswich Town are looking to sign a new goalkeeper to replace Christian Walton regardless of promotion to the Championship, and are looking to sign Carl Rushworth on loan from Coventry City.

Ipswich took another big step towards promotion on Saturday, winning 2-0 against rivals Norwich City at Carrow Road, with Jaden Philogene and George Hirst scoring in the first half.

Kieran McKenna has been delighted with his side’s performance, which puts them in a strong position to return to the Premier League in prime time, saying: “We know how difficult it is to come here and the boys were willing to give themselves and the fans that time and memories. It took a good defensive game – we defended very well from front to back, in open play and in set plays.

“We had the better chances in the game and we were clinical in terms of our moves. It was a different kind of performance for us and, in terms of Derby, a better effort.”

With Middlesbrough losing 1-0 at home to Portsmouth, and Millwall drawing 0-0 at West Bromwich Albion, the Tractor Boys are in second place, two points clear of Alex Neil’s side with two games in hand.

However, McKenna knows all too well how difficult it is to stay in the Premier League, meaning a manager needs to be hired this summer, and the Championship promotion hopefuls are planning to bring in a new goalkeeper.

Ipswich have entered the race to sign Coventry star Carl Rushworth

According to reporter Alan Nixon (via GiveMeSport), Ipswich are now in the race to sign Brighton goalkeeper Rushworth, who spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Coventry City, where he impressed.

The 24-year-old, who was recently named player of the season, did not miss a single game for promoted Frank Lampard’s side, despite a 0-0 draw at home to struggling Sheffield Wednesday.

The Bulls are looking to replace Walton, regardless of whether they will cross the line in their promotion bid, and the Englishman could be an interesting option, having been hailed as “very interesting” by writer Andrew James, considering his 16 Championship clean sheets this term.

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Although McKenna’s side may not be close to tasting promotion, they still have six big games to play, starting with a long trip to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

After that, there are tough games ahead of Ipswich, who face promotion rivals and in-form West Bromwich Albion, who have been fighting for their lives.