Ipswich Town reportedly have ambitions to secure a club-record deal for Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson.
Although the Tractor Boys have been credited with an interest in several players since earning a long-awaited return to the Premier League, they are yet to make a senior addition.
Nevertheless, it has been no secret that there is a desire to have a reunion with Hutchinson, who starred during their Championship promotion-winning campaign.
A total of 10 goals and six assists came from his 44 appearances in the second tier; the 2023-24 campaign was his first in senior football having barely played for Chelsea during the previous year.
Chelsea have since extended his contract by 12 months to take him to 2026, but that was more to protect his value while decisions are made over his future.
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Ipswich to push for permanent deal
There has been talk that newly-appointed Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is prepared to keep the Jamaica international in his first-team squad for next season.
However, the Italian is unlikely to have much of a say if Chelsea's co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are happy with a financial proposal put on the table.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ipswich have formally opened discussions with Chelsea regarding a deal for the 20-year-old.
The East Anglian outfit have allegedly sent over a contract to Hutchinson, with the likelihood being they will be able to reach an agreement over personal terms.
Furthermore, there is said to be 'a determination' on Ipswich's part to make Hutchinson their club-record signing.
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What is the biggest fee that Ipswich have spent on a player?
Although a potential fee is not mentioned, Ipswich will have to significantly smash their current record transfer fee if they are to sign Hutchinson.
That currently stands in the region of £6m, which was paid for Wimbledon defender Hermann Hreidarsson all the way back in 2000.
Previously, it has been claimed that Chelsea will demand in the region of £25m for Hutchinson, with a portion of any fee going to former team Arsenal.
The end result may be something of a compromise being reached courtesy of Chelsea knowing they can greatly benefit from cashing in on a player who they acquired on a free transfer two years ago.
Darren Plant
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