Ipswich Town sign England Under-18s capped full-back Somto Boniface from Chelsea on transfer deadline day

Ipswich Town have signed 18-year-old left-back Somto Boniface from Chelsea who is set to join John McGreal’s under-21s squad to further his development.

As reported by SuffolkNews’ Blues media partners, TWTD, a deal was agreed last week with the player capped by England a Under-15s, 16s, 17s and 18s age group levels passing a medical today.

Boniface, who joined the west London club aged nine and was named Academy Scholar of the Year in 2022/23, leaves Stamford Bridge without making a senior appearance.

The player who is also eligible to represent Nigeria, has appeared twice for Chelsea’s Under-21s in the Vertu EFL Trophy.

He could make his first appearance in an Ipswich shirt when John McGreal’s U21s face Bristol City at Playford Road next week.

Boniface is set to be one of two deadline day signings prior to the 11pm deadline tonight.

West Brom goalkeeper Alex Palmer has reportedly completed a medical ahead of what is understood to be a £2 million plus add-ons deal to bring him to Portman Road to solve a problem area for the Blues.

The 28-year-old is not cup tied, so could make his debut away to Coventry City in the FA Cup Fourth Round Proper tie on Saturday (3pm).