IPSWICH are keeping tabs on the new John Stones – Southend United centre back Ollie Kensdale.
The 23-year-old is also attracting attention from several League One clubs this transfer window.
John Stones played a major role in Manchester City’s Treble-winning campaignAlamy
Southend defender Ollie Kensdale has been likened to Stones
The Tractor Boys have been keen on Kensdale for the past 12 months.
They were considering snapping him up last summer before loaning him back, but talks broke down.
Despite getting promoted to the Championship last season, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna – a former coach at Manchester United – could still do a deal for the National League defender.
Kensdale broke through at Colchester United before spells at Bath City, Braintree Town and Concord Rangers.
He has been compared to Manchester City star Stones.
Like Stones, his ball-playing ability from the back has caught the eyes of numerous scouts.
However, he has gone the opposite way to Stone, evolving from a midfielder to a central defender.
Kensdale has a year left on his current contract, with Southend expected to demand a sizeable fee.
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He made 45 appearances for the Shrimpers as they just missed out on the National League playoffs this season.
Ipswich accumulated 98 points in League One but just missed out on the title to Plymouth.