CHEICK Kourouma’s desire to tie up his deal with Ipswich Town has seen the teenager himself chase up former club Genoa to sort out the red tape.

The 19-year-old French-Guinean midfielder has seen his dream move to the Championship hit after some contractual problems with the Italian side and also his ex-club Sochaux in France.

It means the teenager – who has been part of pre-season training from day one – will not travel to Holland tomorrow for friendly games against Helmond Sport and Den Bosch.

But with the player loving life under Paul Jewell, Kourouma has taken it upon himself to push proceedings along.

A source close to the player said: “Cheick is really enjoying his time with Ipswich. He admits it is the hardest pre-season he has ever had but he is loving it.

“He has moved into digs in the town and he is just keen to get everything sorted out as soon as possible. So much so that he has even contacted Genoa himself so things can get tied up.”

The box-to-box midfielder first came to Jewell’s attention after being recommended by former player Ibrahima Sonko last season.

Kourouma impressed during a week’s trial and was expected to be an early summer signing after passing his medical.

The source added: “We are just waiting on a piece of paperwork which has seen the English FA get involved with the Italian FA to prove no money is owing to Genoa.

“We expect this hold-up to be over soon so Cheick can get on with his Ipswich Town career.

“He is enjoying the training and now he wants to show fans what he can do – hopefully starting with the friendly matches which follow the Holland trip.”