Exclusive: Ipswich Target Man Utd Starlet Shea Lacey in Bold Loan Approach

Ipswich Town are looking to persuade Manchester United that a spell on loan at Portman Road is best for Shea Lacey’s long-term development following the teenager’s sending-off during last weekend’s FA Cup defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion, SportsBoom can reveal. 

Despite impressing Old Trafford’s coaching staff with his all-action performances since breaking into the first team squad, the attacking midfielder betrayed his lack of experience towards the end of Sunday’s third round defeat, collecting two unnecessary second-half yellow cards.

Although neither interim head coach Darren Fletcher nor his mooted replacement Michael Carrick are sold on the idea of sending the youngster out on loan in order to accelerate his development, Town chief Kieran McKenna is contemplating what would be an audacious bid for one of the most exciting talents to breakthrough at the 13-time Premier League champions in recent years.

Lacey’s preference is also to remain at United after making three senior appearances since graduating from their youth academy. 

However, the prospect of working with McKenna, a former United youth team coach, would appeal if Carrick, who is expected to replace Fletcher as caretaker shortly, decides to utilise more tried and tested options in an attempt to rescue what has already been a miserable season in the North-West. 

As well as parting company with Ruben Amorim following a series of disagreements with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox, United are also out of both domestic knockout competitions following the loss to Albion.

McKenna Aiming for Premier League Heights

After also making a chequered start to the campaign after being relegated from the top-flight, Ipswich are on course for an immediate return after winning four of their last five games.

McKenna is on the look out for reinforcements during the January transfer window after flirting with the notion of trying to lure Patrick Bamford away from Sheffield United until SportsBoom, who first broke the news of his switch to Chris Wilder’s side, exclusively revealed he had accepted a contract extension.

Aged 18, Lacey made his senior debut for United against Aston Villa last month and has been capped by England at under-15, 16, 17 and under-20 level.