Charlton Athletic got outbid for Ipswich Town striker – as boss Bowyer wary of their attacking threats

Lee Bowyer has spoken about missing out on Ipswich striker James Norwood – and says Saturday’s opponents were able to pay double what Charlton Athletic could put on the table.

The Eastbourne-born striker joined the Tractor Boys from Tranmere Rovers in July 2019.

And despite the fact that Charlton had been promoted to the Championship at the time, Bowyer saw them muscled out financially by the League One club.

Norwood has scored 12 goals in 40 appearances for Ipswich.

Bowyer spent most of Wednesday watching footage of Town’s most recent matches. Ipswich lost 3-0 at home to Hull City in midweek.

“They are a good side,” said Bowyer. “Especially up the top end. Norwood is a player we tried to get ourselves last season but he went to Ipswich, they paid double what we offered.

“He is a good striker with good movement, who can finish. They have got variation with Hawkins, who we knew about when he was at Portsmouth. If they want to go that way and be a bit more direct then he is an option.

“I see Freddie Sears got injured the other day. He’s a good player for them. It’s unfortunate for them but better for us, because he’s a good player. I played with him at West Ham when he was a young kid coming through.

“Judge is another that we have tried to get before. He’s another player I like.

“They’ve got good players in and around that final third who can hurt you.

“I watched their game against Hull and I didn’t think there was too much in it. Hull got an early goal and were able to make it difficult after that.”