Tyreece Simpson recalled by Ipswich Town due to contractual issue

The 19-year-old's current Ipswich deal runs out in the summer, although the Tractor Boys do have the option to extend Simpson's contract by a further 12 months should they wish to.

It appears Simpson's parent club would like to do that, but it remains unclear where the player himself sees his future.

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times, McKenna revealed he would like Simpson to remain out on loan to continue his development and does not see him as a part of the group at Portman Road over the second half of the season.

Asked why Simpson returned early from his season-long loan at the County Ground, McKenna said: "That's an issue with the club.

"Some things are just getting sorted, there's a contractual issue that's just being sorted between Tyreece and the club. It wasn't part of my decision to bring him back into the group."

Simpson had scored 11 goals in 30 games for Ben Garner's men and was beginning to repay the faith many fans had shown in him since the start with more consistently eye-catching displays.

The Ipswich boss said he was "really pleased" with the teenage striker's season so far and suggested he could go back out on loan before next Monday - however, McKenna gave nothing away in terms of where Simpson may end up.

Asked if the teenager could be sent out on loan again before the window closes next Monday, McKenna said: "That's an option, yeah.

"There are discussions at the moment between himself and the club.

"Hopefully they'll get resolved over the next few days and then we'll sit down with Tyreece and discuss what's best for him for rest of the season.

"I got to meet him for the first [on Monday]. He's a lovely kid and we want him to be a part of the future and a part of what we're doing here.

"Obviously he is a player we value very, very highly. We've been keeping really close tabs on what he's been doing at Swindon and are really pleased with his progress."