Ipswich Town face new competition in bid to sign Christian Walton as Luton Town join the race to agree permanent deal

Ipswich Town will face competition to sign Christian Walton on a permanent deal this window, as Luton Town have reportedly joined the race to sign him.

After a successful first six months as the number one at Portman Road, Town are attempting to agree a deal with his parent club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Kieran McKenna has stated that discussions remain 'ongoing' and that the club are 'hopeful' of the 26-year-old staying.

"I've had a couple of conversations with him as has Rene (Gilmartin, goalkeeper coach) and I know the club are continuing conversations with him on it," he said. "Obviously keeping the details of those private but I know Christian loves being here, wants to be here, is enjoying being here."

However, according to The Sun on Sunday, Championship side Luton have entered the race to sign the 26-year-old.

Walton's former club are on the hunt for a goalkeeper, with Simon Sluga's contract reportedly set to expire this summer.

The report suggests that Town have the potential to out muscle the Championship financially, which could be a big factor in the bid to sign him permanently.