Ipswich Town's initial bid for Ezequiel Palacios has been met with surprise as Bayer Leverkusen demands double the amount. The Tractor Boys' offer of €20m is deemed insufficient by the German side, who want at least €40m to sanction a sale. This comes as Palacios has returned to Leverkusen following an extended rest period after the World Cup. He was a part of Argentina's squad and had three weeks extra before returning. Palacios has since switched agents and is now represented by Kristian Bereit, who appears keen to push for a transfer. However, the player has not personally told the club he wants to leave as yet. Manager Carles Martínez considers Palacios as a key player in his 4-3-3 system and has no plans to let him go if he can help it. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Championship, 84 pts, 23W-15D-8L from 46 games, recent form WDDWD. Goals this season: 80 scored, 47 conceded (+33 goal difference). Title race: 11 points behind leaders Coventry. The Argentine has repeatedly flirted with a move to a big club, making it surprising that a 'relegation candidate' like Ipswich have made the first move. BILD, though, argue that it is unlikely they've made a bid without the player's knowledge. Whether Ipswich now return with more, remains to be seen.