‘Ipswich plan to accept Omari Hutchinson bid’ after Nottingham Forest news
Ipswich Town have placed a firm £40million valuation on Omari Hutchinson as Nottingham Forest continue to weigh up an offer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Kieran McKenna is extremely reluctant to lose the 21-year-old.
Forest are believed to be reluctant to pay what they view as an inflated asking price for the England Under-21 international and could instead look elsewhere.
Football Insider revealed on 6 July that Hutchinson “would love” to return to the Premier League amid interest from a number of clubs including Everton.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are keen to push ahead in their pursuit after seeing a bid rejected, but have reservations about his price tag which could mean he remains at Ipswich.
However, Brown told Football Insider in July that “a lot” of Premier League clubs have been eyeing Hutchinson after sending scouts to watch him at the Under-21 Euros.
Nottingham Forest rival Everton, Dortmund in Hutchinson race
This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.
Football Insider revealed that Everton, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig want Hutchinson, while West Ham, Fulham and Brentford are also keen.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Forest could now pull out of the race as a result of his lofty asking price.
“£35million is as high as they’re willing to go,” he told Football Insider.
“Personally, I think even that fee is a bit steep for him, but from what I hear I would be surprised if Forest were willing to go any higher.
“He’s a very talented player and certainly has a lot to give, but he still has improving to do.
“There’s only a limited market for players like him, there aren’t an abundance of them out there, plus he’s English which always adds a premium.
“So to an extent I can see why there’s so much interest and why they’d be willing to spend big.
“It’s just whether clubs are prepared to pay the £40million Ipswich want.
“I would be surprised if they did, and I think they’re going to look elsewhere because they feel there are better value deals to be done.”
James McAtee closes in on City Ground move from Man City
Alongside their pursuit of Hutchinson, Forest are also long-term admirers on Man City star James McAtee and appear to finally be closing in on a deal.
Brown told Football Insider on 12 August that Forest are pushing to sign McAtee with an agreement “close” as talks continue over his price tag.
Football Insider revealed on 3 August that Man City want £35million to sell McAtee amid growing interest in his signature at this stage of the window.
Forest, meanwhile, value him at closer to £20million and are confident that they can reach an agreement which works for both clubs in it’s structure.
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