TBR Football can exclusively confirm what Chelsea sources are saying about their pursuit of Liam Delap amid interest from Manchester United and Everton.
Liam Delap remains one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League, with many clubs looking to keep him in the top flight.
The 22-year-old had an impressive season for Ipswich Town, scoring 12 goals despite the Tractor Boys failing to survive in the Premier League.
Now, TBR Football can reveal that Delap is close to deciding on his next club after narrowing his list down to two teams.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Chelsea confident of winning Liam Delap race
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Delap is on the verge of choosing his next club – and sources have told TBR Football that Chelsea feel they will win the race.
The Ipswich striker has talked to more than half a dozen clubs, including Everton, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
In the end, it was down to Man United and Chelsea, though Everton also gave Delap food for thought.
Delap was swayed by Man United and chance to move back to the North West – but now Chelsea believe they are about to win the race.
Chelsea’s Champions League qualification also played a part in Liam’s thinking, we are told.
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Yellow cards Red cards Minutes
Premier League 37 12 2 12 – 2.616′
FA Cup 2 – – – – 42′
Carabao Cup 1 – – 1 – 12′
Total 40 12 2 13 – 2.670′
Liam Delap club stats in 2024/25
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What Chelsea sources are predicting about Liam Delap’s role in Enzo Maresca’s squad
Bailey exclusively told TBR Football that Delap feels he can lead the Chelsea line – and Blues sources feel the same way.
“Few players this summer will have as much choice as Liam Delap and that sums up just how highly he is rated in football,” said Bailey.
“He has been considering his options, but Chelsea and Man United were the final two, and I am told Everton made him think as their offer was fascinating to him.
“But Chelsea have been pushing hard since January, he knows just how much he is wanted at Stamford Bridge.
“He thinks he can lead their line and I am told they think he will too…but he is going to have to prove it and earn it.”
Delap is a player with “scary ability”, according to Liam Rosenior, and it will be exciting to see how he fares following his next move.