By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

11th Sep, 2023 | 1:02pm

Sources: Burnley, Leicester City and Crystal Palace in race to sign Colchester United sensation Bradley Ihionvien

A host of Premier League and Championship clubs – including Burnley, Crystal Palace, Leicester, Watford and Norwich – are tracking Colchester United striker Bradley Ihionvien, sources have told Football Insider.

Ihionvein, 19, is catching the eye of clubs higher up the football pyramid after impressing for Colchester so far this season in League Two.

The powerful striker, who made his debut in the last game of the 2021-22 season, has netted two goals in his last three games, including in last weekend’s (9 September) win over Tranmere Rovers.

Ihionvein has made six appearances in League Two so far this term and his form has seen scouts flock to watch him in action.

Colchester have high hopes for the teenager and they are bracing themselves for interest in the talented attacker.

The left-footed forward is out of contract in Essex at the end of this season.

He added further experience in senior football after spending the first half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at non-league Maldon and Tiptree.

Ihionvein notched three goals in 18 appearances at the eighth-tier club.

Colchester have produced several established EFL stars, including Blackburn ace Sammie Szmodics and Stoke’s Junior Tchmadeu.

Szmodics and Kane Vincent-Young have both earned the U’s high six-figure fees in recent years upon their departures.

Premier League duo Burnley and Crystal Palace are both keen on the 19-year-old and have a history of developing top talent.

Leicester, Watford and Norwich are also interested but their second-tier status could make them a less interesting prospect to Ihionvein.

In other news, Newcastle United bid for Crystal Palace star.