Reported Ipswich Town target, midfielder Marley Watkins, is believed to have handed in a transfer request at the Blues’ Championship rivals, Barnsley

The 26-year-old, who has scored six times for the Reds this season, reportedly handed in the request at Oakwell on Wednesday, however that is expected to be rejected by the South Yorkshire club.

Londoner Watkins, out of contract in the summer, joined Barnsley in the summer of 2015 and played an integral part in the team’s march to play-off glory and Football League Trophy success.

A former Swansea youth player, Watkins began his professional career at Cheltenham, before stints in non-league with Bath and Hereford.

However, the 6ft 1ins midfielder made his name under Terry Butcher at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, scoring eight goals in 59 games.

Watkins scored and made a goal in Barnsley’s opening-day 4-2 defeat at Portman Road, in August.