Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of brilliant young forward Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea for a club record fee.

The 20-year-old, who excelled on loan in Suffolk last season, has signed a five-year deal for a fee understood to be an initial £18m, with add-ons on top.

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It smashes the club record of £4.75m which the Blues paid Sampdoria for keeper Matteo Sereni back in 2001.

Hutchinson scored 11 goals and laid on six assists in 50 games last season.

Omari Hutchinson has signed a five-year deal Omari Hutchinson has signed a five-year deal (Image: PA)
“We’re so pleased to bring Omari back on a permanent basis,” Town boss Kieran McKenna told the club website.

“Omari is someone we all enjoyed working with last season and the staff, his teammates and supporters all saw how he grew and developed over the course of the year, which is testament to the hard work he put in.

“The impact he had on the team throughout the season, especially in the latter part, was evidence of that and he, like so many of his teammates, played a significant part in that success for the club.

READ MORE: What fans are saying about the move

“We think Omari is a fantastic player and person to have at the club for the long-term future.

"He has a hunger to improve and show that he can compete and thrive in the Premier League.”

Having already signed boss McKenna to a new contract this summer, fending off interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton, adding Hutchinson on a permanent deal is a huge coup.

He will join up with the rest of his team-mates when they report for day one of pre-season training tomorrow.

A statement on Chelsea's website said: "We wish Omari well as he begins a new chapter in his career and thank him for all his efforts while with the Blues."

Versatile defender Ben Johnson is expected to be next through the door, signing as a free agent after his West Ham contract expired today.