Ex-Man City star could make ‘surprise’ Ipswich Town move despite interest from Newcastle

Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League, and their transfer plans are reportedly continuing with an exciting summer ahead.

For the second time in three years, Kieran McKenna guided the club to the top flight, securing automatic promotion on the final day of the Championship season with a stunning 3-0 win over QPR at Portman Road.

George Hirst and Jaden Philogene struck in the morning before Kasey McAteer wrapped things up, sparking a massive attack and scenes of pure joy in Suffolk.

After last season’s relegation – where they collected just 22 points and finished 19th – the bounce back represents a remarkable achievement and testament to McKenna’s ability to keep the team together in the face of adversity.

Now the real work begins.

McKenna knows better than anyone that the Championship-winning squad will need to be strengthened if Ipswich are to avoid a repeat of last season’s top-flight struggles.

The recruitment department has reportedly been active for weeks, and early contact suggests the club are thinking seriously.

Burnley striker Zian Flemming has been linked with his agent at Tractor Boys, with the 27-year-old Dutchman available after the Clarets were relegated.

But the most interesting turn out may involve a familiar face.

Ipswich could combine Liam Delap’s ‘surprise’ with a Chelsea exit on the cards

According to TEAMtalk, sources believe that a ‘surprise’ return to Portman Road for Liam Delap is now a real possibility.

The 23-year-old striker, who scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich during their never-ending 2024/25 campaign before Chelsea exercised his £30m release clause last June, has endured a difficult time at Stamford Bridge.

Just one league goal in 26 games, limited to 1,000 Premier League minutes throughout the season, and hampered by persistent injuries and intense competition from Joao Pedro.

Now, Chelsea have apparently made it clear that Delap is available this summer.

New manager Xabi Alonso has called for attacking reinforcements, and the former Man City striker doesn’t fit that profile.

The club are eyeing moves for Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen – goalscorers who could contribute immediately.

Delap, on the contrary, needs regular football and a fresh start.

Newcastle and Everton are currently in the race for his signature, both clubs are long-term fans. Eddie Howe followed Delap during his Ipswich days, while the Toffees pushed hard to sign him last summer before Chelsea beat them to it. Brighton and Sunderland are also monitoring the situation.

But TEAMtalk sources have flagged Ipswich as a potential destination, and logic isn’t hard to follow.

McKenna built his offense around Delap two seasons ago, the player thrived in the system, and the fans adored him.

A return to a club where he feels strong and respected, playing every week in the Premier League, could be just what his career needs after a damaging year in west London.

Whether Ipswich can compete financially with the likes of Newcastle and Everton is another question entirely.

The fee is expected to be less than that paid by Chelsea, but will still represent a newly promoted club.

The will seems to be there, but the numbers also need to work.