Ipswich Town forward Kai Brown has signed his first professional contract with the club.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kai Brown battles for the ball for Town U18s against Andover Town at Portman Road Picture: ROSS HALLSKai Brown battles for the ball for Town U18s against Andover Town at Portman Road Picture: ROSS HALLS (Image: Archant)

The 17-year-old penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at Portman Road, keeping him with Blues until the summer of 2021.

He joined from Grays Athletic last season and has quickly worked his way into the Blues’ Under 23 team this season, playing as both a central striker and in wide positions.

Brown has also been involved in Town’s progression in the FA Youth Cup and could be in action when Blues take on Watford in the fifth round tomorrow evening.

MORE: ‘I’m obviously devastated’ - Sears sidelined for nine months with knee ligament injury

He is the latest in a line of youngsters to pen their first professional contracts, following the likes of Brett McGavin, Idris El Mizouni and Bailey Clements.

Jack Lankester signed his first professional deal in the summer before making his breakthrough into the first team and then signing another new deal last month.

IN LAST YEAR (WITHOUT EXTENSION OPTION)

Knudsen, McKendry

IN LAST YEAR (WITH EXTENSION OPTION)

Gerken, Chambers, Ward, Adeyemi, Spence, Kenlock, Emmanuel, Woolfenden, C.Smith

CONTRACTED UNTIL 2020

Skuse, Edwards, Harrison, Roberts, Dozzell, Downes, Rowe, Sears, McGavin

CONTRACTED UNTIL 2021

Bialkowski, Nsiala, Nolan, Jackson, Huws, Folami, Cotter, Nydam, Drinan, Morris, Wright, Donacien, El Mizouni, Bishop, K Brown

CONTRACTED UNTIL 2022

Lankester

LOANS FOR SEASON

Pennington, Chalobah, Elder, Keane, Quaner, Bree