A Premier League star is now more inclined to join Chelsea over Man Utd after a U-turn behind-the-scenes, with both clubs reaching out for talks recently.
Chelsea kickstart transfer plans amid Champions League qualification
Levi Colwill's second-half tap-in against Nottingham Forest on Sunday arguably came as Chelsea's most important goal of the 2024/2025 campaign, with Enzo Maresca's side confirming their place in the Champions League next season as a result.
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£172k-per-week striker is waiting for Chelsea to contact him about joining
Chelsea are set for a big summer after qualifying for the Champions League.
This will have a profoundly positive effect when it comes to Chelsea's recruitment drive over the summer window, as the west Londoners are set for a considerable financial windfall and gifted far more pull in the market, given they will be competing in European football's most prestigious competition.
Race for Champions League qualification - Final standings
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Finishing in the top five could truly prove to be season-defining for 2025/2026, with Chelsea setting their sights on a proven goalscorer as one of their many transfer priorities before the next campaign kicks off.
It is believed that Chelsea could even bring in two strikers this summer, which is made all the more possible by their Champions League place, and journalist Simon Phillips reports that the Blues want to register one of them before the Club World Cup next month.
That man could well be Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, following his excellent 12-goal season in an otherwise dismal side, according to various reports.
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Fabrizio Romano backs up whispers that Chelsea have held talks with Delap's camp, and other media sources claim that the Englishman is set to make a decision on his next destination "this week" (Simon Phillips).
Liam Delap inclined to join Chelsea over Man Utd
This is echoed by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who told the broadcaster that Delap is actually more inclined to join Chelsea over Man United, after the former qualified for Champions League football next season.
While the 22-year-old's spoken to United, Newcastle and Everton as well as Chelsea, it appears the latter are in pole position as things stand.
"My understanding was that he was leaning towards Manchester United because he wanted to go back and live in the north west. He's a former Manchester City player," said Crook on air.
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"But he does want to play in the Champions League. So I wonder if that may have scuppered United now.
"And the noises I'm hearing this morning are more that maybe he'll end up at Chelsea."
Delap's sky-high potential stretches far beyond just goals, as the ex-City starlet's power, speed and physicality also make him a real force to be reckoned with. Teammates like Alex Palmer have endorsed Delap's talent as well, calling him a "monster" up front.
"You look at him and he’s a monster," said Palmer.
"He’s a young lad that’s got the enthusiasm and energy – and also the talent."