Ipswich Town chief executive Mark Ashton says he would love to bring loan star Omari Hutchinson back to the club next season.
The dynamic young forward got better and better as his first season of senior football progressed, thrilling fans with his off the ball graft, mesmeric skills and somersault celebrations.
He ended up contributing 11 goals and five assists from 25 starts and 25 sub appearances, producing some big moments in games against Southampton, Middlesbrough, West Brom, Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday and Hull to name a few.
Last week, manager Kieran McKenna was asked at the club's end of season dinner what he wanted Ashton to get him for his 38th birthday, to which he replied, 'Omari!' That drew a loud cheer from the crowd, with fans making it clear they want to see the 20-year-old return to Portman Road for Premier League football.
Asked if he might be able to deliver that present, Ashton smiled and replied: “Listen, you never know. It’s really early at the moment.
"What Kieran’s done with Omari from day one, how he’s developed him, is incredible. He’s gone from a bit-part player, to a mainstay in the team, to someone who has really impacted the team.
"We’d love to have him here for sure, but that would mean discussions with Chelsea, with his agent, with him, with his family etc. All of that will take a little bit of time."
Hutchinson, who is contracted at Stamford Bridge for another year, has repeatedly said how much he's enjoyed is time at Ipswich and indicated he'd be open to a return. It's been reported that several European clubs have been monitoring his form though.
“You get promoted and everyone talks emotionally - ‘I want to be here!’ - but you’ve got to let the dust settle and then calmly speak to the right people," said Ashton. "It's one we’ll step through and see where we go.
“But he’s been an exceptional talent for us, he’s come to the forefront incredibly well in recent weeks. We’ll sit down with Kieran and we’ll have a good look at what we’re going to do."
Several players have been linked to Ipswich since promotion to the Premier League was secured little more than a week ago, including the likes of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, Coventry playmaker Ben Sheaf and Millwall attacker Zian Flemming.
The EADT and Ipswich Star understands the Blues, who have a long list of potential targets, aren't in active negotiations with any club or player at this early stage.
Town finished this season with five loan players - Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Hutchinson (Chelsea), Jeremy Sarmiento (Brighton), Lewis Travis (Blackburn) and Brandon Williams (Man Utd) - but, as a Premier League club, will be restricted to just two domestic loans.
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