'Worth taking a gamble' - Former Southampton and Leeds midfielder's verdict on Ipswich's reported interest in Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop

The one-time England international believes the Blues’ top scorer would be ‘worth taking a gamble’ given the big-spending Tractor Boys’ financial position.

Last week The Sun’s Alan Nixon reported that Kieran McKenna’s Championship-chasing side were keen on the 22-goal striker ahead of the summer.

He also claimed Ipswich’s American owners would continue to splash the cash if they made a return to the Championship at the end of this season, with Bishop someone who they will target.

The Pompey striker, who arrived at Fratton Park for £500,000 in July 2022, has never played in the Championship.

That’s something Palmer is aware of. But given the Portman Road outfit’s outlay on players since Gamechanger 20 Ltd took over in April 2021 and their apparent wealth, the 57-year-old believes they can afford to take a risk with Bishop.

Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: ‘Well, he's never played at that level before.

‘I mean, he's a proven 20 goal this season man in League One. 18 goals from 37 appearances so far this season. So, as always, the million-dollar question will be if he can score goals if they get up to the Championship.

‘Looking at what they'll be able to afford and what they can bring in, although Ipswich are very good payers, it might be worth taking a gamble to see if he can step up to the Championship should they get there.’

This week the Blues’ owners made it clear there’s no pressure to sell Bishop, who is contract to the club until 2024.

But director Eric Eisner stated the club would listen to offers for their ‘prized asset’ ‘if an incredible offer’ came in.