Ipswich locked in three-way battle with Premier League rivals for £21 million-rated Brazilian striker Igor Jesus

IPSWICH have joined the growing race for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus.

Town have picked up form lately and fresh blood in the forward line could prove a huge boost to their Premier League survival chances.

Fulham and Brentford have also been linked with January moves for the £21 million-rated forward.

Jesus, 23, has scored 56 goals in 168 appearances in his short career, including eight goals this season, as Botafogo were crowned Champions of Brazil for the first time.

Ipswich remain in the bottom three but two wins and a draw in their last five games has given them hope of survival this season.

Current striker Liam Delap has scored only eight goals all season but is still leading the charge to stay up and has caught the eye of bigger clubs.

It is unlikely Delap will move on this month though and Jesus, 23, would be seen as a support player for their lead man up front rather than a replacement.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Delap and are considering their striker options.

But boss Enzo Maresca is set to wait until summer to make a serious play for a new centre forward with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson also on their radar.

It’s thought the Jesus striker is keen to make a move to the Prem.

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Kieran McKenna’s side are looking to add at least one more striker to their roster.

Arsenal reportedly had a loan deal turned down for Jesus last season.

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