Ipswich Town are exploring the possibility of signing free agent Hidemasa Morita after Leeds United ended their interest in the midfielder.
The Japan international has been without a club since leaving Sporting CP at the end of last season, but his long-held ambition of playing in the Premier League could still become reality.
According to A Bola, Ipswich have expressed interest in the 31-year-old, although they have yet to submit a concrete proposal.
Ipswich weighing up move
Morita became a free agent after deciding against renewing his Sporting contract, with the Premier League understood to have been his preferred destination throughout the process.
Ipswich are now considering whether to offer him that opportunity. While discussions have not progressed into a formal bid, the newly-promoted side are the latest English club to emerge as a realistic option for the experienced midfielder.
The former Sporting player has remained patient despite spending the summer without a club, believing the right move would eventually arrive.
Leeds moved on
Before Ipswich entered the picture, Leeds United appeared to be Morita’s most likely destination.
Portuguese reports linked the midfielder with Elland Road for months, and A Bola now reveal a three-year contract, with the option of a further season, had been discussed between the parties.
Leeds, though, eventually decided to pursue alternative targets, bringing an end to one of Portugal’s longest-running transfer stories of the summer.
That decision has now created an opening for Ipswich, who could benefit after Leeds walked away from the deal.
Premier League dream remains alive
Morita’s desire has remained unchanged since leaving Sporting. After four seasons, 166 appearances and 11 goals for the Lisbon club, the midfielder wanted to test himself in England’s top flight rather than accept offers elsewhere.
That ambition has already seen him reject opportunities outside the Premier League, and Ipswich may now be in a position to take advantage.
If the Tractor Boys decide to turn their interest into a formal offer, they could finally give Morita the Premier League move he has been chasing since leaving Sporting.
