Ipswich Town are eyeing a move for Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star understands.
The Daily Mail (at around 8:30am in their transfer update live blog) first reported that the the Blues are keen on signing the 25-year-old on transfer deadline day as they continue their search for a new no.9.
A move for Armando Broja fell through due an issue with his medical, with a number of alternatives linked in the last few days.
Liam Delap is currently Kieran McKenna's first-choice striker, with Ali Al-Hamadi and Freddie Ladapo expected to leave on loan and permanent moves if another forward option is brought in. George Hirst is still sidelined with a knee injury.
A swoop for Latte Lath would see Town continue their recruitment from the Championship, with the Ivory Coast international notching 16 goals in the second tier last season. We understand that, while the interest is genuine, it's yet to translate into an actual bid for the player.
It's expected that Michael Carrick's side would ask for a significant fee to let him leave so close to the deadline, especially given that he's expected to travel to Wales this afternoon ahead of Boro's game against Cardiff City tomorrow afternoon.
Latte Lath has been linked with the likes AS Monaco, Red Bull Salzburg, Stuttgart and Wolves this summer, but per the Northern Echo, Middlesbrough's stance is that he isn't for sale 'unless there was an eye-watering offer simply too good to turn down and significantly north of the Championship club's record sale.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here