Exclusive: Ipswich Town preparing transfer swoop for £8m-rated Watford star | OneFootball

Watford's Tom Dele-Bashiru is wanted by Ipswich Town.

Ipswich Town are mulling over another bid for Watford star Tom Dele-Bashiru, Football League World understands.

The Tractor Boys enquired about the Hornets’ man back in January but were put off by the lofty asking price.

The 25-year-old central midfielder played a largely starting role for the Hornets this past season, but a significant knee injury suffered in mid-October sidelined him until mid-January.

As such, the former Nigerian youth international was only able to make 27 appearances in the Championship in 2024/25, as his Watford side endured another disappointing campaign with a 14th-placed finish.

Ipswich Town eyeing up fresh Tom Dele-Bashiru approach

Ipswich Town are contemplating making a fresh bid for Watford star Tom Dele-Bashiru this summer, as they look to press on with their transfer business following their Premier League relegation.

The former Manchester City trainee signed a new deal 12 months ago at Vicarage Road, which means he is contracted with the Hornets until the summer of 2026, with the club also having the option to trigger a 12-month extension.

But, he has appeared on the radar of a few other Championship clubs, including Kieran McKenna’s newly-relegated outfit.

Watford had been looking for a fee in the region of £8m for the box-to-box midfielder, who has played for Nigeria at Under-23 level.

But there will be no deal at that level as the Suffolk outfit will not be drawn into paying that for the 25-year-old.

Ipswich Town desperately need reinforcements in central midfield - that could work to Watford's advantage

Ipswich Town's central midfield department looks set to undergo a significant overhaul this summer.

McKenna has already confirmed that Massimo Luongo will leave Portman Road this summer, having made just 11 Premier League appearances this term after playing a leading role in helping the club win promotion from the Championship in 2023/24.

Club captain Sam Morsy is heading into the final 12 months of his contract, and for a player who will turn 34 in early September, there may be some question marks over his capability to play a full Championship season at this stage of his career.

Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips, Jens-Lys Cajuste and Julio Enciso will all return to their parent clubs this summer, which means Ipswich's options in the middle of the park will be dwindled down significantly.

Therefore, McKenna will surely be desperate to replenish his midfield ranks this summer, and if he is set on bringing Dele-Bashiru to Portman Road, then Watford could play into Ipswich's situation in order to receive a premium fee for him.

Whilst losing Dele-Bashiru would be a blow, bagging a big payday could set Watford's new manager up to really stamp their authority on the playing squad this summer, and potentially fast-track the Vicarage Road rebuild.