Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.

Premier League Brentford matched the £35 million relegation release clause in Hutchinson’s contract before the recent deadline but failed to offer payment terms which would have triggered it.

However, the West Londoners, who last week sold forward Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United for a reported £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.

Asked why Hutchinson wasn’t with the squad today, McKenna confirmed TWTD’s report that he was back at Playford Road training having been given an extended break after winning the Euros with the England U21s.

“Just a little bit too soon, we’re just building him up gradually, it’s just over three weeks since he played 110 minutes or something like that at the end of a five-game tournament, so he doesn’t need match minutes yet,” McKenna said.

“He’s had a few days’ training this week and hopefully he’ll be in and around one or both of the games next week.”

Quizzed on whether he has spoken to him about his future, McKenna smiled: “Me and Omari talk all the time, we’ve got a lovely relationship, we talk about everything.”

Is the situation up in the air at the moment? “No, there’s nothing in the air, he’s an Ipswich player and he’s training well back at camp and he’ll be ready to join the group next week and we think he’ll be a really important player this year.”

McKenna says it’s yet to be decided whether the former Chelsea man will feature in Tuesday’s friendly against Charlton at Colchester.

“We have to have those conversations, we’ll see how he’s responded to the few days’ training,” he said.

“He’s trained since we’ve been up here, so we’ll see how he’s responding but I would have thought next week we’ll get him in and around it.”

Photo: Matchday Images

Paulc added 22:40 - Jul 25 This gives me a little bit of hope. We all know he’s too good for the championship and someone will likely come in for him but it would be phenomenal to keep him.
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Gforce added 22:44 - Jul 25 Maybe Omari is not on his way out after all. If that happens, it'll be our best signing all summer.
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jdtractor96 added 22:55 - Jul 25 Jaden, Szmodics, J Clarke, Broadhead, Chaplin, Ogbene, Burns, Hutchinson. Can we / will we keep them all?!
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RobsonWark added 23:10 - Jul 25 Paulc is he really too good for the Championship? He did OK for us last time, but what did he do in the Premier League?
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PhuketPete added 01:31 - Jul 26 Fingers crossed Omari Is happy to stay as he is the most talented player we have. Aside Omari I’d say only Dara is genuinely “PL ready” as things stand so it will be a huge win if we keep keep him. Then as numerous others inevitably improve this season, including George Jack Jaden Cam Jacob Leif and the new guys et al, we will have a stronger side than last time when we’re back to the PL this time next year…..

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ArnieM added 07:39 - Jul 26 I LOVE Omari’s ability to win the ball off opponents. His work-rate off the ball goes largely unrecognised I feel, and with Phillogene’s performance last night on the left, the thought of having these two young players left and right playing in that manner will be a sight to behold. We have to try and keep Omari!
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victorysquad added 08:06 - Jul 26 Would be great to keep him, our priority has to be another striker and CM though
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Bazza8564 added 08:35 - Jul 26 Well he's hardly going to say anything else is he. And 'nothing in the air" means what? Last night we looked brilliant without him. My money is on him leaving next week and at least one CMF coming in plus a CF on loan. Sorry Im just not buying it, for so much to have leaked out about offers and then absolute silence means Mark has it all under control and we will know when he wants us to

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churchmans added 10:58 - Jul 26 Omari will light up the championship and i would be super confident we go up at first attempt! Cmon omari if your reading this give us a season lol
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churchmans added 11:00 - Jul 26 @robsonwark did you see him in tbe championship? We all did!
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