Liam Delap is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs this summer - including Everton
Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap.
Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap.(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
It's decision time for Liam Delap. The striker is a man in demand, with no fewer than four Premier League sides vying for his signature, with Everton competing with Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United in a fierce battle for the most in-demand young striker in England.
Indeed, the Toffees have held talks with Delap as he weighs up his future following Ipswich Town's relegation. The 22-year-old shined for the Tractor Boys, scoring 12 goals in 37 league appearances despite their relegation.
The young striker went on to rank 14th in the golden boot race, only one goal behind West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen and Liverpool's Luis Diaz.
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Delap, the son of former Stoke City player Rory Delap, originally from Winchester, began his football journey at Derby County’s academy at six years old, before joining Manchester City’s academy in 2019.
In 2020 he made his first team debut in the EFL Cup against Bournemouth, scoring in the 18th minute helping City to win 2-1. He went on loan three times in his four-year spell at Man City, going to Stoke City, Preston North End, and Hull City.
And in 2024 he moved down south to newly promoted Premier League side, Ipswich Town. Ipswich paid City £20m for the striker, who had notched eight goals in the Championship for Hull, before their return to the top flight.
In December 2024, the England U21 striker bagged a goal and assist to help his side win 2-0 over Chelsea and get their first Premier League home victory since 2002.
But after Ipswich’s poor season, they’ve been relegated from the Premier League, sealing Delap's fate and leaving him searching for a new club.
Kieran McKenna, Ipswich manager, said: “It looks more likely than not that he will move on this summer, and he has interest from pretty much every club in the league, and I don’t think there are many clubs in the world who wouldn’t want to have him.”
Indeed, Delap isn't short of offers, and in the wake of Ipswich's relegation a number of clubs have pitched to the striker.
Chelsea have expressed their interest, amid their need to get a proven goalscorer in the summer window. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea manager, has worked with Delap previously during his time at Man City.
Maresca has praised Delap in the past, complimenting his input at Ipswich. He said: “In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic. It’s not just in terms of his numbers. The way he plays and fights is always ‘there’."
However Chelsea are keeping their options open for finding their No. 9 as they remain interested in Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly waiting on a decision from Delap over their offer.
But after their defeat loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final, they will not have European football next season, meaning Delap may see his future away from Old Trafford.
One team who do have Champions League football is Newcastle, who are looking to convince Delap that a move to St James' Park would be the best option and are reportedly offering a significant pay rise.
Everton may consider themselves outsiders for Delap's signature, with manager David Moyes confirming the Blues have held talks with the forward.
The Scot said: "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.”
But Everton will hope that their need for a striker and position to offer him plenty of game-time could convince him to choose a future at the club's new, state-of-the-art Hill Dickenson Stadium.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin out of contract this summer and Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrøm, and Armando Broja returning to their parent clubs, Everton are looking to strengthen their attack heading into next season.
And with a reported £30m release clause in his contract with Ipswich, a deal could be fairly straightforward for whoever is able to convince Delap to choose them.
The striker has been named in Lee Carsley’s pre-tournament England squad ahead of the U21 Euros, with the final roster being announced on June 6th.
He is expected to make his decision this week, ahead of the competition.