Ipswich sign Leicester midfielder McAteer

Kasey McAteer has won six caps so far for the Republic of Ireland

Ipswich Town have signed Leicester City midfielder Kasey McAteer for an undisclosed fee, thought to be about £12m.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international has agreed a four-year deal at Portman Road.

He made 56 appearances for Leicester - including 18 in the Premier League last term - and scored eight goals, but started on the bench for their first two Championship games this season.

McAteer scored against Ipswich when Leicester beat them 2-0 in the top flight in May, before both teams were relegated at the end of the campaign.

"It's a very attractive project which is being built here and I want to add myself to that," McAteer said.

"The aim is to get promoted again and that's what we will push for every day.

"I want to be a part of that and I aspire to be the best version of myself, which is something I will be looking to bring to the squad."

McAteer first joined Leicester at the age of eight and had loan spells at Forest Green Rovers and AFC Wimbledon before playing 26 games in 2023-24 as they won promotion from the Championship.

His international debut followed in September 2024 against England in Dublin.

Meanwhile, defender Elkan Baggott has extended his contract with Ipswich until the end of the 2027-28 season.

The 22-year-old Indonesia international last played for Ipswich in a Carabao Cup tie against Fulham in November 2023 when he scored in a 3-1 defeat.

He spent last season on loan at Blackpool, making 20 appearances.