Transfer gossip: Oli Hawkins in talks with Ipswich Town after Portsmouth exit

Hawkins is being lined up for a move to the Tractor Boys after leaving Fratton Park this summer, with talks said to be taking place.

Boss Paul Lambert is in the market for the powerful target man and the 6ft 5in powerhouse fits the bill, according to TWTD.co.uk - who often break Ipswich news.

Hawkins is a free agent after his deal came to a close with there being a certain irony if he moves to Portman Road.

It was Ellis Harrison making the opposite journey which limited Hawkins’s opportunities last term under Kenny Jackett.

Hawkins was previously linked with Ipswich at the start of 2017 while emerging at Dagenham, but eventually made a move to Fratton Park the following summer.

He went on to make 96 appearances and score 18 goals in his time at Pompey.

Hawkins was a central figure in the 2018-19 campaign in the Blues’ 4-2-3-1 formation, as he clocked up 48 appearances and scored 10 goals.

He proved a crucial component of the approach from Jackett’s side, holding the ball up for the likes of Jamal Lowe and Ronan Curtis to benefit.

Fans, of course, will never forget it was Hawkins who bagged the winning goal from the penalty spot as Pompey triumphed over Sunderland in the final of the Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley last year.

After Harrison’s arrival last season Hawkins could only make 13 appearances, however.

He found himself utlilised as a central defender in that time, as Jackett searched for the right formula in the middle of the defence.

And after his departure this summer he spoke of his struggle to win over Pompey fans - believing 60 per cent of the Fratton faithful were against him.

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