x

McKenna: Interest in Omari Natural - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Kieran McKenna says the interest in Blues forward Omari Hutchinson is no surprise with Brentford understood to have made multiple offers for the England U21 international.

The Bees matched the £35 million relegation release clause in Hutchinson’s contract before Tuesday’s 5pm deadline but failed to offer payment terms which would have triggered it.

However, the West Londoners, who yesterday agreed to sell forward Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United for £70 million, are expected to come back in for the former Chelsea man with some reports claiming the Blues want £40 million for his services.

Hutchinson hasn’t been with the Town squad in Austria as he was given additional time off having been with England’s victorious U21s squad at the European Championship in Slovakia.

Quizzed on the situation following Town’s 4-1 friendly victory over Blau-Weiß Linz, McKenna said: "Omari’s still on his holiday, a well-earned break from the summer.

"There’s obviously been interested parties in Omari, which is natural with how he’s done but he’s still an Ipswich Town player.

"My full focus really has been on the group that’s here and hopefully we’ll catch up with Omari this week.”

The Blues paid Chelsea an initial £20 million for Hutchinson last summer with the £2.5 million top-up clauses having been triggered over the last year. The West Londoners are understood to be due a percentage of the fee - 25 per cent of profit was reported at time of last year’s move - Town would receive.

What to read next:

Vote TWTD! - Football Content Awards Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the Football Content Awards 2025, giving you the chance to pay tribute to TWTD and other Town media you enjoy.
Youngster Mazionis Set For Cheltenham Loan
U21s central defender Jacob Mazionis is set to join League Two Cheltenham Town on loan.
U21s Face Skuse's Bury Town
Town’s U21s face Cole Skuse’s Bury Town at Ram Meadow this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Town Face Charlton at Colchester
Town continue their pre-season friendly programme when they host fellow Championship side Charlton Athletic at Colchester United’s JobServe Community Stadium this evening (KO 7.30pm).
U18s Host West Brom in First U18 Premier League Fixture
Town’s U18s will start their first ever U18 Premier League South campaign with a home game against West Bromwich Albion at Playford Road on Saturday 16th August (KO 11am).
Ndaba Completes Lecce Move
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba has completed his move from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock to Serie A Lecce.
McKenna: Hirst Primed For Good Season
Town boss Kieran McKenna believes striker George Hirst is “primed to have a good season” for the Blues, the frontman having netted three times in the Blues’ two public friendlies.
Hirst: Scotland Call-Up Has Made Me a Better Player
Town striker George Hirst says he has taken a lot from being in the Scotland squad and feels the international recognition has made him a better player.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town 'Willing to Pay Hackney £35,000-a-Week'
Town are reportedly willing to pay Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney £35,000-a-week, TWTD having revealed that the Blues had made an approach for the 23-year-old almost a fortnight ago.