The England Under-21 striker opted to join Chelsea after turning down interest from Newcastle and Manchester United
Liam Delap of Chelsea
Liam Delap in action for Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
Former Newcastle United transfer target Liam Delap has opened up on the chase for his signature earlier this summer, and why he opted to move to Chelsea.
The England Under-21 striker was on the Magpies radar as they look for an alternative frontman option to Alexander Isak ahead of their Champions League campaign.
Delap had a £30m release clause in his contract with Ipswich Town, and with Kieran McKenna's side relegated to the Championship, the Portman Road outfit allowed him to speak to interested parties.
Newcastle were one of several clubs believed to have held talks with the player's representatives, along with Manchester United and Everton.
However, the 22-year-old made the decision to join Enzo Maresca's Chelsea - and has already been in action at the Club World Cup.
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He came off the bench to set up the second goal for Enzo Fernandez in the 2-0 win over LAFC, and started their 3-1 defeat to Flamengo - a game which saw striker rival Nicolas Jackson sent off.
Now he has opened up on why he chose to move to Stamford Bridge after a summer of speculation over his future.
"It was a nice position to be in, but also there are a lot of decisions you have to make," Delap said. "You never know if it is going to be the right decision.
Chelsea's Liam Delap
Chelsea's Liam Delap(Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images.)
"You've just got to go with your gut and hopefully it works out. There are so many factors that go into it.
"I’ve got a good relationship with the manager. I know how he plays. I've played in this system before.
"I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That's what excited me."
Newcastle continue to look for forward options, and have been linked with a move for Brighton's Joao Pedro - although Chelsea are also said to be interested in the Brazilian.
There is also reported interest in Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, with the England Under-21 star potentially leaving Anfield this summer as part of the Red's rebuild under Arne Slot.