Ipswich Town’s acquisition of highly-coveted youngster Kai Brown has been confirmed by former club Grays.

DEADLINE DAY LIVE: All the transfer news from Portman Road before the window closes

The 16-year-old has played 37 times for the Grays first-team in Bostik North, step four of the non-league pyramid, and is set to join the club’s academy having impressed while training with the club either side of Christmas.

Grays are not able to command a fee for Brown , who is said to have been wanted by Premier League clubs, but discussions regarding a sell-on clause are ongoing, with the Blues said to be playing a pre-season friendly at the Essex club as part of the deal.

“As many supporters will be aware, our 16-year-old midfielder Kai Brown has been trialing with Ipswich Town either side of Christmas,” a statement on the Grays website reads.

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“The club is now delighted to announce that Kai has secured a scholarship with the Tractor Boys and will continue his academic and football education with them. He has passed his medical and will move to Portman Road with immediate effect.

“All at Grays Athletic would like to congratulate Kai and pay tribute to the people that have helped him to develop his career. These include our youth coaches, the first team management and, of course, his supportive family.

“Due to our status and level that we play at the club cannot command any fee for Kai, although the discussion regarding future sell-on clauses is ongoing. However, Ipswich Town have confirmed they will come to Parkside in the summer to play our first team in a pre-season friendly.

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“We are proud that Kai joins a long list of players that have secured moves to professional clubs from Grays Athletic FC and we wish him the best of luck with his studies and his football career going forward.”

Speaking after last night’s FA Youth Cup clash, which Ipswich lost 2-0 to Blackpool, Town Under 18s manager Alan Lee said: “From what I’ve seen he’s a good player, a young lad, he’ll probably take a bit of time to settle in, but he’s definitely someone we can work with.”

DEADLINE DAY LIVE: All the transfer news from Portman Road before the window closes