Seeking attacking reinforcements, Liverpool now reportedly want to hijack Chelsea's move to sign a rising Premier League star when the summer transfer window swings open.
Liverpool champions in waiting and planning for summer
Champions in waiting set to win the Premier League title race, Liverpool have seemingly set their sights on winning another battle against their rivals, which would see a key attacking upgrade arrive this summer. Even at the top of English football, Arne Slot is reportedly keen on an overhaul within his frontline, likely spelling the end of Darwin Nunez and perhaps even Diogo Jota.
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Aiming to finally make his mark on the Reds following a quiet summer last time out, Slot could yet welcome blockbuster signings such as Ousmane Dembele. Anfield needs little introduction to the Frenchman these days after he scored Paris Saint-Germain's equaliser on their way to knocking Liverpool out of the Champions League last 16 on penalties.
Now, having seen his quality for themselves, reports have gone as far as to suggest that Liverpool are ready to table a hefty £85m offer in pursuit of the winger's signature. And he's not the only one on the Reds' radar.
According to The Boot Room, Liverpool are now plotting to hijack Chelsea's move to sign Liam Delap this summer after sending scouts to watch the Ipswich Town forward throughout the current campaign.
Ipswich Town's Liam Delap applauds fans after the match
Despite reports indicating that the Blues are preparing an opening bid for the striker, who Ipswich value at around £60m, those at Anfield could yet use their Premier League glory to lure the former Manchester City man to Merseyside.
At 22 years old, Delap has been an impressive standout in a struggling Ipswich side and looks destined to stay put in the Premier League with or without The Tractor Boys. Whether it's Liverpool, Chelsea or another club who come calling remains to be seen, however.
"Powerful" Delap would be an instant upgrade
Whilst Nunez has struggled in front of goal, Delap has thrived in a side creating less chances than a free-flowing Liverpool sides awaiting their crowning ceremony. For £60m, the Reds would undoubtedly be signing an instant upgrade and getting one over on rivals Manchester City by signing their former young star this summer.
Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Liam Delap Darwin Nunez
Minutes 2,094 970
Goals 10 5
Assists 2 2
Expected Goals 8.1 5
What instantly stands out is just how ruthless Delap has been in front of goal. The Ipswich star has outperformed his expected goals by two, whilst Nunez has only taken the chances expected of him - albeit just five - in the current campaign.
Earning plenty of praise as a result of his goalscoring ability, former England U21s interim boss Ben Futcher told reporters in October: "Liam was an absolute handful. If you want to go and fight him, he'll match you. If you want to race him, he’ll win the race.
“He’s very difficult to deal with, he’s quick, he’s powerful, he’s in good form in the Premier League. Liam’s a top number nine and he’s going to keep developing.”