Ipswich Town working on new striker targets as Armando Broja loan from Chelsea falls through on medical report

Ipswich Town have reportedly turned their attention to Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath and other striker targets after a deal to bring Armando Brjoa on loan from Chelsea was said to have collapsed over the medical report.

The Athletic broke the news that the protracted move for the 23-capped Albanian international Broja was definitely off yesterday afternoon, which had come off the back of manager Kieran McKenna saying at Tuesday’s press conference that the clubs were ‘still in discussions’.

However, at his lunchtime press conference ahead of hosting Fulham, McKenna reiterated the deal is not yet off the table, though is ‘less likely than likely’.

It comes after the medical report is believed to have shown an Achilles issue which is set to keep the 22-year-old out for around seven weeks – leaving him unable to provide cover for the injured George Hirst who is out following knee surgery for a similar timeframe.

The player who spent the end of last season on loan at Fulham, who Town host at Portman Road tomorrow (3pm) , would have also come with a mandatory £30 million purchase at the end of the season, should they earn Premier League survival – according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. It is thought Ipswch’s Premier League rivals Everton are among the clubs who remain interested ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline.

According to SuffolkNews’ media partners TWTD, Burnley’s Lyle Foster, who was suggested to be a progressing alternative to Broja ‘ is not close to the top of the list while Cercle Brugge striker Kevin Denkey and Crystal Palace’s Odsonne Édouard are not believed to be being looked at’.

The report adds: “We understand Town have a couple of candidates whose names have yet to emerge publicly and regarding whom they have made their interest known to their clubs.”

It has since emerged that Middlesbrough’s Latte Lath, who scored 18 goals in the Championship last season, is one Town are reportedly pursing a deadline day move for.

A striker, which would be a 13th summer signing for the newly-promoted Premier League outfit, is expected to complete the Blues’ incoming business ahead of tonight’s summer transfer window shutting.

Kieran McKenna’s squad is currently at the maximum 25 capacity which would mean a departure is also set to happen with striker Freddie Ladapo, who spent last season out on loan in League One with Charlton Athletic, the most likely to make a move.

Following the recent addition of Darra O’Shea for a reported initial £12 million fee from Burnley, fellow central defender George Edmundson could be another set to leave with a number of Championship clubs said to be interested, with a loan deal possible.

McKenna has already outlined he is looking to keep striker Ali Al-Hamadi, who scored against his former club AFC Wimbledon in Wednesday’s penalty shooutout Carabao Cup defeat, at Portman Road as well as third-choice goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, who was on the bench in midweek.

The Town boss is set to address the media at his pre-match Fulham press conference at 1.35pm today. Log back onto this website for the latest from that this afternoon.