Ipswich Town transfer news: Liam Delap/Chelsea decision, Tom Dele-Bashiru interest, Nottingham Forest want Leif Davis | OneFootball

All the latest transfer news surrounding Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town are back in the Championship after suffering relegation from the Premier League after just one year in the division.

Kieran McKenna’s side will be aiming to compete for promotion yet again immediately, with their long-term goal set on establishing themselves as a top flight club.

However, the summer transfer market is likely to see several changes to the first team squad in preparation for that promotion push.

This includes sales as well as incomings, so it could be quite a busy period behind the scenes for the Suffolk outfit.

Here we look at all of the latest transfer news surrounding Ipswich following the end of the season…

Liam Delap decision

The future of Liam Delap has been the subject of a lot of speculation in the weeks leading up to the end of the campaign.

It was reported by the Guardian in early April that the forward had a £30 million release clause in his contract that became active once the club was relegated.

This led to interest from a number of teams, including Chelsea and Manchester United.

And Ben Jacobs has now claimed that the Blues are closing in on the 22-year-old’s signature following his impressive 12-goal campaign for Ipswich.

Chelsea secured qualification for the Champions League under Enzo Maresca, and clinched the Conference League with a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the final on Wednesday evening.

Tom Dele-Bashiru interest

Ipswich will need to reinforce their squad this summer if they’re to challenge for promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

This has led to interest in Watford’s Tom Dele-Bashiru, as exclusively revealed by FLW.

The Tractor Boys showed an interest in the midfielder in the January transfer window, but it’s understood they were put off by the asking price set by the Hornets.

However, they are now considering reigniting their pursuit of Dele-Bashiru ahead of their Championship return.

It’s believed that Watford are seeking a fee of around £8 million for the 25-year-old, who is under contract until the summer of 2026, with the option for another year.

Liam Delap replacement plan

Delap’s departure this summer will leave them without their top scorer in the Premier League, but a £30 million sum coming the other direction.

However, according to GiveMeSport, Ipswich are not planning on reinvesting that money in strengthening their forward options.

Instead, it is understood that George Hirst will be afforded the opportunity to lead the line for the team in the Championship.

The striker scored three times in the top flight last season, and contributed seven goals and six assists when Ipswich were promoted in the 2023/24 campaign.

Nottingham Forest eye Leif Davis

Leif Davis has been a key figure in McKenna’s side in recent seasons, but could be set for the exit door this summer.

It has been reported by TWTD that Nottingham Forest are interested in the full-back ahead of the summer transfer window.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have qualified for the Conference League next season, so will have European football they can offer the defender.