Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has identified Crystal Palace youngster Sullay Kaikai as the final piece of his jigsaw.

Having signed long-term right-winger target Grant Ward from Tottenham on Monday, McCarthy’s focus turned to landing a left-winger before Saturday’s Championship opener against Barnsley, at Portman Road.

The Blues boss watched the 20-year-old in pre-season action last week when the Eagles won 3-2 at AFC Wimbledon. Kaikai then impressed again on Tuesday night, scoring both goals in a 2-1 friendly win at Bromley – his first set up by ex-Blues loanee Jonny Williams and the second a superb free-kick which flew in off the post.

Just like new boy Ward, the youngster is direct and loves to take his marker on and get crosses into the box. It’s understood a season-long loan deal is being discussed between the clubs.

Southwark-born Kaikai came through the youth system at Selhurst Park having joined the club as a 14-year-old.

He has so far made two substitute appearances for the south London outfit. His debut saw him score a last minute goal in a 3-2 Capital One Cup defeat to Newcastle back in September 2014, while he also came on at half-time in the club’s final Premier League game of last season – a 4-1 defeat at Southampton.

In between that, Kaikai has had loan spells at Crawley (League One – 2013/14), Cambridge United (League Two – 2014/15) and Shrewsbury Town (League One – 2015/16).

The wideman, whose parents hail from Sierra Leone, scored an impressive 12 goals in just 25 starts and four sub appearances in the third-tier last season and it’s understood Palace boss Alan Pardew now wants him to get some Championship experience.

Town remain in talks with recent left-wing triallist Roland Lamah, the 28-year-old five-cap Belgian international having been offered a deal following impressive pre-season displays against Charlton and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.