Bafana star Lyle Foster set for Premier League return at Ipswich

Newly promoted Premier League outfit Ipswich Town are reportedly in "advanced" talks to sign Bafana Bafana forward Lyle Foster on a season-long loan deal from Burnley.

The 23-year-old forward played an integral part in helping the Clarets return to the English topflight during the 2022/23 campaign, but ultimately the Turf Moor outfit found the going tough and were relegated back to the Championship.

Ipswich, back in the Premier League after 22 years thanks to consecutive promotions, have already faced tough defeats to Liverpool and defending champions Manchester City.

Meanwhile, South African striker Foster, currently the country's most expensive transfer after Burnley acquired him for €11 million from KVC Westerlo in January 2023, could soon be part of a massive deal.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that Foster is nearing a loan move to Premier League newcomers Ipswich, with an obligation to buy for a staggering €30 million (R594 million).

?? EXCL. Lyle Foster now close to be loaned with a mandatory option to Ipswich Town !

?? Obligation to buy fixed at £25M.

??? Not a done deal yet but clubs are currently in advanced talks in order to find an agreement. #ITFC #BurnleyFC #mercato #twitterclarets pic.twitter.com/rwhnsiMCAv

This season, Foster has already made three appearances in the Championship under Burnley's new coach, Scott Parker, providing an assist.

He played 24 matches in the Premier League last season, netting five goals and delivering three assists, performances that earned him a contract extension until June 2028.

With the transfer window closing at midnight on Friday, 30 August, time is running out to finalise the deal.

Meanwhile, Foster will join his Bafana team-mates on Monday in Johannesburg as he is