david moyes
Everton could hijack Nottingham Forest interest in Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with David Moyes in the market for five new arrivals at the Hill Dickinson Stadium before the close of the window.
The Toffees recorded a convincing 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, but that scoreline perhaps flatters the Merseyside outfit, in a close-fought affair against Pierre Sage's new-look Eagles side.
Everton have already recruited Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George, Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard this summer, but that does not appear to be enough to satisfy Moyes. On Tuesday morning, The Daily Mail reports that the Scotsman wants five more new faces through the door at Everton.
Everton need attacking reinforcements
Liam Delap
One of those transfer priorities is the recruitment of a striker. Everton are currently reliant on Thierno Barry and Beto up top, with both strikers struggling for consistency since moving to the Premier League.
Barry was on the scoresheet against Crystal Palace but added competition for the talisman role is expected. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes that Everton could still make a move for Chelsea man Delap.
The 23-year-old has been linked with the club throughout the summer, having also emerged as a target following the relegation of Ipswich Town last year.
Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks with Chelsea over a loan move for Delap, but Everton are not out of the race. In his Tuesday morning briefing, Romano said: "Liam Delap, in the next hours, could be a done deal with Nottingham Forest. Forest are very close, pushing for a loan deal. Let's see the elements and the details of the loan. Delap is in advanced conversations with Nottingham Forest, who are prepared to offer very good money to the player and his camp to get the deal done. Forest are going very strong for Delap.
Delap was not included in Xabi Alonso's squad to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night. The striker had already lost the number nine shirt to Joao Pedro this summer, with the Brazilian opening the scoring less than a minute into last night's clash.
Liam Delap Chelsea Struggles:
May 2025 - Chelsea beat Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town
June 2025 - Delap scores first Chelsea goal at Club World Cup v Esperance
September 2025 - Striker suffers hamstring injury, misses six Premier League matches
January 2026 - Scores only Premier League goal of 2025/26 against Fulham
August 2026 - Delap loses no. 9 and trains away from Chelsea squad
The former Ipswich Town man, who arrived at Stamford Bridge for £30million last summer, is believed to be keen on getting back into the Chelsea side but accepts that he may need to find a temporary exit to guarantee game time.
Delap managed just three goals in 47 appearances for the Blues last season, but is a player admired by Moyes, having netted 12 goals during the Tractor Boys' 2024/25 relegation campaign.
When linked with the player last summer, the Everton manager said: "He would be one who we would certainly have an interest in. I think what he probably has to look at will probably be bigger than what we are. So, we would certainly be interested if he was interested in us. That’s for sure."