Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit backs Ipswich Town's pursuit of Watford star | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has backed Ipswich Town to capture the signature of Watford midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Watford will be desperate to fight higher up the Championship next term under new boss Paulo Pezzolano, after finishing just 14th in the table this season.

The club are already well underway with their business this transfer window, acquiring former Peterborough United captain Hector Kyprianou on a free.

Football League World exclusively revealed that Ipswich Town are eyeing up Watford midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru following their relegation from the Premier League, who the Hornets value at £8 million.

Kieran McKenna has shown he has what it takes to guide a team to Championship promotion, and has profiled the tireless operator as a key addition he would like to make to kick off Ipswich's transfer window.

Lee Hendrie weighs in on Tom Dele Bashiru’s Ipswich Town links

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, believes the move would benefit both the player and club immensely.

“Tom Dele-Bashiru would be a wise move for Ipswich Town,” stated Hendrie.

“He's arguably been one of their best players this season. He brings energy and enthusiasm in midfield. He has got a bite about his game.

"I think it would be a step-up in class going to Ipswich compared to Watford, where they haven’t got the same squad depth.

“Watford have been hit-and-miss and not consistent enough. I think he would suit going to Ipswich Town because of what they have in their squad.

“Players like him could certainly step up and be amongst their promotion push next season.”

Tom Dele-Bashiru would be a welcome addition for Ipswich Town

Relegation to the Championship will present Ipswich Town with a multitude of new challenges, including a squad refresh this summer.

A midfield exodus at Portman Road has seen the likes of Massimo Luongo, Kalvin Phillips, Jens-Lys Cajuste and Julio Enciso all exit the club, which means the Tractor Boys will be desperate to recruit reinforcements immediately.

McKenna and Co. enquired about Dele-Bashiru’s services back in January but were put off by Watford's asking price.

The 25-year-old was a prevalent member of the starting XI for the Hornets last season when fit, but a significant knee injury he picked up in mid-October left him on the sidelines until mid-January.

The Nigerian international signed a new deal at Vicarage Road in 2024, which extended his stay with the club until the summer of 2026, and Watford also possess a 12-month extension clause in that deal which they can trigger if they desire.

If Ipswich and McKenna are convinced that Dele-Bashiru is a signing that will help them fight for promotion next term, they may have to fork out the hefty fee Watford are holding out for, as the Hornets currently hold all the right cards.