Chelsea striker Armando Broja is set to undergo a medical this morning ahead of the completion of his season-long loan to the Blues.

The 22-year-old is in Ipswich and the move seems set to be confirmed today, the Albanian international becoming Town’s 10th signing of the summer.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the switch would become permanent next summer if the Blues stay up in an overall deal worth more than £30 million.

Broja was initially linked with the Blues early on the summer before being revived last week. The prospect of the move happening was played down by various sources, however, we understand the player and his representatives visited Playford Road on Friday and that appears to have swung things in Town’s direction.

Slough-born Broja, who is 6ft 3in tall, moved to Stamford Bridge from Tottenham’s youth set-up in 2009.

Since then, he has spent time on loan at Vitesse, Southampton and Fulham, while making 11 starts and 27 sub appearances, scoring three goals for his parent club.

His stint with the Saints saw him net nine times in 24 starts and 14 games from the bench, while the spell at Fulham in the second half of last season saw him make only eight sub appearances without finding the net.

Capped by Albania at full level 23 times, scoring five goals, and featuring at Euro 2024, Broja had previously been linked with a move to Everton.

Premier League clubs are allowed only two domestic loans at one time, four over the course of a season, as well as six international loans, although with exemptions relating to players under-21.

Town have already recruited Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City and Broja would mean they wouldn't be able to bring in anyone else on a domestic loan.

Broja would be the Blues’ second Albanian international following in the footsteps of Town academy product Armando Dobra, while former Blues defender Freddie Veseli switched his allegiance to Albania after leaving Portman Road.

The Broja signing would mean Town now have 26 players who qualify for the 25-man squad, but it's almost certain Freddie Ladapo will move on before the end of the window, while the likes of Cieran Slicker, Ali Al-Hamadi and Marcus Harness could go out on loan.

Photo: Nderim Kaceli/IPA Sport / ipa-agency.net/IPA/Sipa USA

Help added 16:11 - Aug 21 We must put players through one hell of a fitness test if it is still not announced
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Help added 16:14 - Aug 21 9 darter. Just Chelsea buying anyone and everyone
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Kickingblock added 16:21 - Aug 21 Who's doing the medical.... James Herriot?
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cardinaldom88 added 16:59 - Aug 21 Good signing, in my opinion. Another dimension to our attacking line up. Would like to see another left sided midfield/forward player but I think the bulk of the squad is pretty much there. It’s interesting though, over the last couple of years the club transfer business has been largely under wraps until it’s confirmed. Since the last January transfer window, particularly from Romano, the journalists seem to have been getting a lot of information. Where do the leaks come from?

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Runner added 17:01 - Aug 21 One more 2024 new signing and we could start a whole team of new players if all fit, last seasons players on the bench.
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Help added 17:12 - Aug 21 Cardinal the leaks can come from anywhere. If you think of the number of people that can be involved. The player, their agent, family who they just happen to mention it to. Selling club. Goodness knows how many would be involved there. Selling club media team. IT Dept. Kit man as shirts not needed. Buying club. Same as selling club. Any media hanging around ground, training ground with cameras etc. When you look at it that way. 100s of people know or could be informed. It only takes one who just wants to announce it or try to get a bit of.money.

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Leejames99 added 17:28 - Aug 21 Great signing and it looks like it maybe a double swoop on Chelsea with Sterling also for the left or Jack Clarke and Joel Matip CB
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Karlosfandangal added 17:54 - Aug 21 Kickingblock I hope not as I bet he got worried when James Herriot was putting on that big black glove
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Kickingblock added 18:20 - Aug 21 Karlos. That's my point, it's taken all day.
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ArmaghBlue added 19:02 - Aug 21 Looks like a solid hold-up player in the highlights.
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PhuketPete added 03:00 - Aug 22 KM and MA haven’t made a bad signing yet… no reason to pessimistic before he’s even signed on the dotted line
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