Source: Daily_Mail
Paul Jewell admits it will be hard to keep Connor Wickham
Ipswich boss Paul Jewell has admitted for the first time that it will be hard to hang on to ?15 million Tottenham target Connor Wickham.[LNB]The England Under-21 international, who turned 18 on Thursday, has also been monitored by Arsenal and Liverpool this season.[LNB]Jewell, who replaced the sacked Roy Keane in January, said: 'I am hopeful he will stay but, let's be honest, we are all at the mercy of the big clubs.[LNB] Uphill task: Paul Jewell admits it will be tough to hang on to Connor Wickham[LNB] 'If Liverpool or Tottenham come in with money that is going to help us plough back into the team - silly money if you like - we have to listen to it.[LNB]'But if he does go he will not be going on the cheap and we are certainly not actively looking to sell him.'[LNB]Wickham has netted 11 goals in 66 appearances - 31 starts - for the Tractor Boys since becoming their youngest-ever player at the age of 16 years and 11 days in April 2009.[LNB]Jewell added: 'Personally, I think it would be best for him to stay here for another year, hopefully get us some goals and into the Premier League.[LNB]'But it is going to be difficult for any club at this level to turn down a big offer from one of the top teams.[LNB]'If it is one of the smaller Premiership clubs I don't think Connor would want to go but if it is one of the big boys it would be hard to say no.'[LNB] Tottenham closing in on summer move for ?15m Ipswich teen star Wickham King out for the rest of the season as Redknapp's defensive crisis worsens Sportsmail's experts deliver their verdicts on the season so far...All the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Roy Keane, Paul Jewell Places: Liverpool, United Kingdom
