Ipswich Town have reportedly been drawn into a battle against Middlesbrough for Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone.
The Blues return to Premier League football against Bournemouth on Tuesday, and they will almost certainly have to pick up points if they are to achieve survival.
With the club in 18th place with just 17 points - nine fewer than 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers - relegation looks likely, especially as there are just nine games left to play in the top flight.
Kieran McKenna's side could lose a number of players in the summer should the team be relegated to the Championship, with striker Liam Delap strongly linked with a move away from Portman Road.
Football League World report that Ipswich are one of a number of teams monitoring Wycombe striker Kone, though Middlesbrough have emerged as a strong contender for his signature.
© Imago
Kone in profile
Kone joined Wycombe in January 2024 after an extended trial with the club and made a goalscoring debut for them that month in the EFL Trophy.
In 647 minutes of football in League One in 2023-24, the striker managed to score three goals and provide two assists, while he has scored 18 times and registered two assists in the third tier this campaign.
The 21-year-old is six feet tall and is adept when battling in the air against opposition defenders, but he is also comfortable carrying the ball.
Kone would represent a good stylistic replacement for Delap, whose ability to impose himself on centre-backs has separated him from other strikers in the Premier League.
© Imago
Ipswich or Middlesbrough
Ipswich could close the gap to Wolves to six points should they beat them on April 5, and though a six-point gap would be difficult to overcome with just seven games remaining, the Blues would at least have a chance of survival.
Premier League football could be an attractive proposition for Kone, but whether he can make the step up from League One to the top flight is questionable, especially considering his age.
Middlesbrough are themselves in contention for promotion to the Premier League considering they are seventh in the Championship with 57 points and are level on points with sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion, who occupy the division's final promotion playoff spot.
Boro do have need of additional attacking reinforcement following the exit of Emmanuel Latte Lath to MLS side Atlanta United in the January transfer window, but Ipswich are almost certain to sell Delap.
Kone will have no shortage of options in the summer, but he will have to make sure that he is guaranteed playing time wherever his future lies.
Lewis Nolan
