Everton have been tipped to make a summer transfer raid for Chelsea striker Liam Delap
Everton are “nailed on” as the obvious transfer destination for Chelsea’s Liam Delap this summer.
That’s the verdict of Pat Nevin, who made the same move himself, swapping Stamford Bridge for Goodison Park in a £925,000 move and going on to make 150 appearances for the Blues between 1988-92, scoring 21 goals.
Delap netted a dozen Premier League goals for Ipswich Town last season but after they went straight back down to the Championship, his £30million relegation release clause enabled him to talk to interested parties.
Everton were one of those chasing his signature at the time, hoping the prospect of being the leading star going into a new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium could add weight to their bid.
Blues boss David Moyes took what was an unusual step for him of publicly declaring his interest and following their talks he said: “We’ve had a chance to speak to him, yes.
“He spoke to three or four clubs. He’s given us our opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but hopefully, you never know what happens.”
Ultimately, Delap chose to go to Chelsea who could offer Champions League football while also providing him with the chance to play under Enzo Maresca, who had previously been his coach at Manchester City.
However, the Italian departed on New Year’s Day and the west London club – who have subsequently hired and fired Liam Rosenior, dispensing of his services less than four months into a six-and-a-half-year contract – can no longer finish in the top five.
Chelsea go into their final game of the season at Sunderland in eighth spot, which would secure them a place in the Europa Conference League which they won last season but could climb to seventh and upgrade to the Europa League which was lifted by Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
Despite being part of the squad that lifted the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA last July – alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who moved to the Blues for £25million the following month – Delap has netted just once in 27 Premier League matches this term and has struck twice in 40 games in all competitions.
Nevin told Grosvenor Casinos: “I don’t see him going back to Ipswich (who have come straight back up). Everton would be the obvious place, absolutely nailed on.
“I’m not saying it’s a done deal, but I think Everton want him and I think it would be brilliant for everyone. And it’s a safer bet for him.
“Liam Delap is nailed on for Everton, there’s technical reasons why. When people talk about the number of goals scored, it’s actually not exactly about that for Everton.
“You need a certain type of player to hold up the ball, to run the channels, to stretch the game so that three quality players behind you and they have got brilliant players behind them, get a chance to shine.
“Delap would be perfect. I don’t know if they’ll get him but Chelsea’s not the right place for him.”
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