MX23RW : Thursday, January 30 22:47:52| >> :120:11834:11834:

Ipswich Town take 'concrete steps' to sign international striker who will decide future 'in the coming hours'

Could a Champions League striker replace Liam Delap at Ipswich?
© Imago
Ipswich Town are reportedly battling Besiktas and Royal Antwerp for the signing of Lille striker Mohamed Bayo before the conclusion of the winter transfer window.

Ipswich Town are reportedly interested in signing Lille striker Mohamed Bayo, who is also wanted by Besiktas.

The 26-year-old started in the Champions League for Les Dogues on Wednesday night, playing 63 minutes of the 6-1 victory over Feyenoord.

The Tractor Boys have been less successful in the Premier League recently, suffering a 4-1 thrashing at the home of Liverpool last weekend.

Bayo is currently playing second fiddle to leading marksman Jonathan David at Lille, with the Canadian attacker one of Ligue 1's top players.

As a result, the 26-time Guinea international has started just four matches in the French top flight so far this term, totalling 305 minutes of Ligue 1 football.

Lille striker Jonathan David celebrates scoring on October 23, 2024© Imago

Ipswich, Besiktas enter race to sign Lille star Bayo?

According to French publication L'Equipe, Lille attacker Bayo is expected to leave Decathlon Arena before the conclusion of the winter transfer window.

The report claims that the 26-year-old has attracted interest from the Belgian Pro League, with Royal Antwerp considering a swoop for his services.

However, the Belgian club are set to struggle to lure Bayo the club, given that both Ipswich and Besiktas have entered the race for the attacker.

It is understood that the Tractor Boys and the Turkish giants have made 'concrete steps' as they pursue the striker before the winter deadline.

Despite being contracted to the club until 2027, Bayo is fully expected to depart Lille this month, with the player set to decide on his next team 'in the coming hours'.

Ipswich Town's Liam Delap on January 5, 2025© Imago

Are Ipswich preparing for Delap's departure?

Sitting just a point behind Leicester City in 17th, Ipswich still possess realistic ambitions of avoiding relegation to the Championship this season.

Key in the Tractor Boys' scrap for survival so far, Liam Delap leads the club's Golden Boot race with eight strikes across 22 Premier League contests.

The 21-year-old's performances have failed to go unnoticed, with Manchester United supposedly shortlisting the striker as a potential Old Trafford arrival this month.

As a result, it is natural to question whether Ipswich's late swoop for Bayo could be in response to the possible departure of Delap from Portman Road.

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Written by
Carter White

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