Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna ‘delighted’ to complete transfer of Marcelino Nunez from East Anglian rivals Norwich City

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has expressed his delight at securing the services of Marcelino Nunez from bitter rivals Norwich City.

The midfielder finalised his switch across the East Anglian divide earlier today, with Town believed to have agreed to pay a fee of £7.5m plus a further £2.5m in potential add-ons.

“We’re happy to have him,” McKenna said. “It’s an area we felt we certainly needed to add to with the players that have left.

“A high-quality player, a lot of Championship experience, international experience and still at a good age.

“A really, really good footballer, plays through the pitch well, covers a lot of ground, a set play taker and scorer as we found a couple of seasons ago, so he definitely strengthens us in that department.”

Meanwhile, McKenna added that the Chile international viewed Portman Road as the best environment for him to both improve his game and further his career.

The Town boss added: “He’s a strong-minded individual and he wants to make the move that he sees as best for his career, and we’re happy that he sees this as that best move.

“He’s from almost the other side of the earth, he’s from Chile. Of course, local rivalries are massively important and players understand that as well, but he wants to make the move that he thinks is the best progression for his career.

“He’s at a good age, has some good years ahead of him, and we’re delighted that he sees this as the right club for that.”

An ankle injury will prevent Nunez from making his Ipswich debut until after the international break.