Stuttgart are pushing hard to sign Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson on loan.
The race for the 20-year-old Jamaica international is now beginning to intensify with the Blues poised to decide whether they keep, loan or sell the former Arsenal academy starlet imminently. A permanent sale is currently considered unlikely and all signs point towards him heading out on loan for another season.
Chelsea's next manager may want a say on Hutchinson's future after he struck 10 goals and registered five assists on loan in the Championship with Ipswich Town last season - firing the Tractor Boys to promotion but an agreement could now be reached soon.
Ipswich would like to bring the player back to Portman Road but their chances of striking a deal will hinge on the future of Chelsea target Kieran McKenna.
Town CEO Mark Ashton, who currently has his hands full trying to tie McKenna down to a new contract, is driving the interest after Hutchinson won the club's Young Player of the Season award.
Stuttgart are currently leading the race for Hutchinson's signature, they have already held productive talks and reports in Germany even claim he was in attendance at their final match of the Bundesliga season - a 4-0 demolition of Borussia Monchengladbach - to get a feel for Sebastian Hoeness' project.
Gladbach have also shown an interest while Dutch giants Ajax and Feyenoord are also in contention for his services as they await clarification on his future.
Hutchinson, whose representatives have been fielding numerous calls from Europe, has since paid tribute to Ipswich for the best season of his life, indicating this could be goodbye.
He said: “I want to reflect on how special this year has been for me. Since arriving at the club you have all made me feel welcome and loved. Thanks to my amazing team-mates who l now call brothers, helped me from the first day I entered that changing room.
“I’d also like to thank the special people behind the scenes who treated me like one of their own. To all the coaching staff that helped develop me into the player I am today, thank you.
“Most importantly, a massive thank you to Kieran McKenna for trusting and believing in my ability. You brought out the best of me and I will always be grateful for that. Ipswich Town will always have a place in my heart.”
Hutchinson has just one year remaining on his current Stamford Bridge deal, meaning the Blues will have to consider a contract extension this summer or risk losing him on a free transfer.