Ipswich Town eye Sheffield United star to replace Liam Delap - Kieran McKenna must consider these other 2 replacements too | OneFootball

Ipswich Town are already looking at replacements for Liam Delap, who is sure to leave Portman Road this summer.

Ipswich Town produced a spirited performance against Chelsea on Sunday, but their inevitable relegation will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

It was always going to be a tough season for Kieran McKenna’s side, with the Tractor Boys’ incredible rise up the EFL meaning they still weren’t equipped for the top-flight despite a big summer spend.

But, it hasn’t all been negative for Ipswich in the current campaign, as the side have produced some memorable performances, and certain individuals have stepped up to the level required.

Ipswich Town will be planning for Liam Delap’s exit

Liam Delap falls into that category, with the 22-year-old having scored 12 goals for the struggling Suffolk outfit.

Not only is that a very good return for a bottom three side, but Delap has impressed with his all-round game, as his physicality makes him difficult to deal with.

With reports revealing Delap has a £30m release clause, it seems apparent he will have his pick of clubs, and it’s not a case of if he will leave, but where he will go.

From Ipswich’s perspective, losing him for £30m is far from ideal when he was likely to command a bigger fee without the clause.

But, the one positive is that the club can plan for his departure now, and you would expect a deal to go through quickly, which will give McKenna time to bring in his replacement.

It seems Ipswich are already looking at alternatives to Delap, with Sheffield United’s Ryan One mentioned as a target by Fabrizio Romano.

Richard Kone

Benji Walker (@benjiwalkerphoto)

The Wycombe striker has been brilliant in League One this season, scoring 18 goals in what has been a breakthrough campaign for the 21-year-old.

That goal return shows Kone knows where the back of the net is, but it’s not just his goals that make him the ideal number nine for McKenna.

With the way Ipswich play, the striker needs specific physical qualities. They must be mobile, they must be able to bring others into play, and play with their back to goal - and Kone can do all of that.

Some will say it’s a risk to sign a player from League One, but anyone who has seen him play will recognise he is capable of making the step-up, and even if Wycombe go up, Ipswich should have the financial clout to bring him to Portman Road.

At 21, Kone could be a great long-term investment as well, as he has the ability to get better, so he would be an exciting signing for many reasons.

Will Lankshear

This might be seen as a strange one as Lankshear is currently on loan at West Brom from Spurs, and he has yet to find the net or get a proper run in the team.

But, it’s likely to be a case of the wrong club at the wrong time for the youngster, as Lankshear is a quality operator who is highly-rated by the Londoners.

Again, Lankshear has the physicality to flourish at Ipswich, and his goal record at youth level, for club and country, commands respect. It shows he has talent, and it’s about getting the most out of him.

You only have to look at Delap to see that loan moves don’t always work out, so that shouldn’t put Ipswich off.

McKenna’s ability to improve players is clear to see, and whilst Lankshear would likely join on loan as opposed to a permanent deal, it could be a perfect fit for the striker and the club as they try to bounce back to the Premier League next season.