Ipswich Town are reportedly in a transfer battle with Middlesbrough for the signing of Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone. Manager Kieran McKenna is dependent on a win against Bournemouth on Tuesday if they are to have a chance of avoiding relegation.
With just 17 points and 18th in the Premier League table – nine points behind Wolverhampton Wanderers in 17th place – relegation looks increasingly likely, especially with just nine games left in the season.
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If Ipswich are relegated to the Championship, several players will leave, probably including striker Liam Delap, who is already linked with a move away from Portman Road.
Football League World reports that Ipswich are among several clubs keeping tabs on Kone. They report that Middlesbrough have now emerged as a serious contender for his signature.
Richard Kone signed for Wycombe in January 2024 after an extended trial and scored on his debut in the EFL Trophy the same month.
In League One, the 21-year-old has scored 3 goals and made 2 assists in 647 minutes in the 2023/24 season, while this season he has 18 goals and 2 assists in the third division. Kone is known for being strong in aerial duels, but he is also comfortable driving the ball forward. He could be a good replacement for Delap, who has impressed with his physical style of play in the Premier League.
Ipswich can reduce the gap to Wolves to six points if they win against them at home at Portman Road on April 5. Although six points will be difficult to take in seven games, it will at least give them a chance.
Premier League football may be appealing to Kone, but it’s unclear if he’s ready for such a big leap from League One to the top division.
Middlesbrough themselves are 7th in the Championship with 57 points – the same number as West Bromwich Albion, who hold the last play-off spot. Boro need attacking reinforcements after Emmanuel Latte Lath left the club for Atlanta United in January.
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Kone is unlikely to be short of options for the summer, but he must make sure to get enough playing time wherever he ends up.
For Ipswich, it’s all about fighting for survival – but whatever the outcome, it looks like a new striker is on his way to Portman Road.
