Ipswich Town’s second Palacios bid still below Leverkusen price

Ipswich Town’s second formal offer for Exequiel Palacios remains below Bayer Leverkusen’s valuation of the Argentina midfielder. The Premier League club have increased their bid after an opening proposal was rejected, but the two sides have not yet reached an agreement.

Ipswich believe the transfer can still be completed and are pushing to make further progress before the window shuts. Their latest proposal represents a clear step forward from their initial approach, although Leverkusen have not accepted the improved terms.

Leverkusen’s asking price has previously been placed at about €35 million (£30.3m). Ipswich must therefore move closer to that figure if they are to persuade the German club to release Palacios, who remains highly valued by Leverkusen’s coaching staff.

The 27-year-old has been with Leverkusen since January 2020 and is still under contract. His status at the club gives Leverkusen a strong negotiating position while Ipswich continue to work towards a deal.

Ipswich’s interest began with contact involving the player’s representatives before the club submitted its first offer. The second proposal shows that the English side remain committed to adding Palacios, despite the continuing difference over his valuation.

Palacios has previously been associated with a preference for joining a bigger club, although that issue has not featured in the latest update on the negotiations. For now, the discussions remain open, with Ipswich seeking to close the gap and Leverkusen holding out for an offer that meets their demands.