Chelsea are expected to be in the market (once again) for a striker this summer, to either supplement or supplant Nicolas Jackson, and among the names likely to be near the top of those rumor charts is that of young striker Liam Delap.
The former Manchester City youngster (where he spent a season with Enzo Maresca as well) is currently at Ipswich Town, whom he joined for the relatively low fee of £20m last summer. He got off to a flying start with the Tractor Boys, scoring six goals in first eleven Premier League appearances, leading almost immediately to stories of interest from the league’s big six, including Chelsea.
The 22-year-old has not quite managed to keep up that 1-in-2 pace, scoring just four times in the 17 games since — though one of those did come against Chelsea in their shock 2-0 win, which remains their only league win at home all season. In fact, they’ve collected just two points from the ten games since. Their relegation is not yet official, but it might as well be.
Serendipitously, that inevitable outcome will apparently activate a £40m release clause in his contract, at least according to the Daily Mail. This appears to be the first time this clause has been mentioned in any serious way in the rumor mill, opening up a brand new dimension to this story. The Mail claim that Manchester United are already making moves as a result, though assure that Chelsea are still in the conversation as well (as are Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester City, who may also have a buyback in their back pocket).
Delap’s scoring numbers aren’t exactly staggering, but his style and his profile (including age and valuation) sure seem to fit the mold that Chelsea are said to be looking for at the position...