Sources: Ipswich Town submit formal Zian Flemming offer
Ipswich Town have tabled a formal bid for Burnley star Zian Flemming in the window's closing stages, sources have told Football Insider.
The Tractor Boys have been long-term admirers of the 28-year-old and are now prepared to battle Ligue 1 outfit Lille ahead of the transfer deadline on 1 September.
Flemming is widely expected to leave Burnley in the coming days as he is keen to return to a top European league, with a Premier League offer likely to prove tempting.
Gary O'Neil's side have been impressed by the Dutchman in the last 12 months after he scored 11 Premier League goals in 29 appearances last season.
His performances despite playing for a relegated club have placed a number of top-flight sides on high alert, and Ipswich have now made a move to beat their rivals in the race.
Burnley had been reluctant to let Flemming leave this summer, and are in a strong position with his contract set to run until 2029, but may now find it tough to hang on.
Why do Ipswich want to sign Zian Flemming?
Football Insider revealed on 28 August that Flemming is keen to complete a move away from Burnley this summer as he has no plans to continue in the Championship.
His goalscoring record, both in the Premier League last season and in the second tier this term, has placed a number of clubs on high alert with regard to his availability.
Ipswich have already signed one striker this summer, with the club-record addition of Emersonn from Toulouse, but remain keen to bolster their attacking options.
The Tractor Boys have not been afriad to spend since their promotion, and are now confident of beating Lille to the striker's signature before the transfer window closes.
Lille had been seen as the clear front-runners to sign Flemming, having already seen multiple bids rejected, but their move could now be complicated by Ipswich's involvement.
What is the latest on Lille's pursuit of Flemming?
As previously mentioned, Lille have positioned themselves as the front-runners to sign Flemming this summer, despite long-term interest from Premier League rivals.
The Ligue 1 outfit are in ongoing negotiations with the Clarets, and while they may be complicated by new offers arriving, they remain confident of doing a deal.
Football Insider revealed on 30 August that Lille are advancing in their pursuit of Flemming and believe they will get a deal over the line before the transfer deadline.
They have already seen offers rejected for the 28-year-old, but sources say they are closing in on a deal after positive discussions.
Burnley are standing firm on their asking price and hope to land a significant fee for the striker's services, by clubs are now edging closer to matching that price.