Middlesbrough, Wolves & Derby suffer transfer blow with Ipswich promotion hero set for Portman Road stay

A host of Championship clubs have been dealt a major transfer blow with the news that Ipswich Town's promotion hero Jack Clarke is set to remain at Portman Road for the 2026/27 campaign.

Middlesbrough are believed to have pushed hard to secure a loan deal for the former Tottenham Hotspur this summer whilst other second-tier sides including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Derby County and Millwall had also been keeping abreast of the situation.

However, it's now been reported by the East Anglian Times that Clarke will remain at the club as Town battle to preserve their Premier League status.

New boss Gary O'Neill is understood to have contemplated making room in his squad by granting Clarke's departure, but had second thoughts after he stepped off the bench to net a dramatic last minute winner against Sunderland in their top-flight opener last weekend.

The 25-year-old played a significant role in the Tractor Boys' fortunes last season, scoring 16 times in the Championship and providing a further two assists as they finished second behind Coventry City.

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg had made him one of his top summer transfer targets and had hoped to seal a deal prior to next Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline.

But, having already completed a number of eye-catching signings including Will Lankshear, Radek Vitek and Ashley Phillips, he will now be forced to turn his attentions elsewhere for fresh goalscoring power.

According to local Ipswich Town reports, O'Neill will reassess Clarke's situation in January with Boro likely to retain an interest in his services should he become available for a move in the new year.

The Teesiders have won one of their opening two league fixtures this term, beating Lincoln City on the opening day before being beaten by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park a week ago.

They take on unbeaten West Bromwich Albion in front of the live television cameras tomorrow (12:30 BST).