Everton are looking to strengthen their attacking ranks with David Moyes concerned by the lack of goals last season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still yet to sign a new contract, whilst Armando Broja has now returned to his parent club Chelsea.
So, quite clearly, there is a pressing need to sign a new striker this summer, and Liam Delap is of serious interest to Moyes.
It was reported that Delap held positive talks with Everton, having already spoken to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Ipswich Town frontman, who has a £30m relegation release clause, was on Tyneside to speak with Newcastle United earlier this week.
Now, David Ornstein has just named the winner in the race to sign the England under-21 international.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Chelsea set to beat Everton in Liam Delap race
Everton have finally found out their fate about whether they will sign Delap and unfortunately, it’s bad news for Moyes.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the 22-year-old is informing the Toffees, along with Manchester United, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, that he will not be joining them this summer.
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It’s Chelsea who have managed to win the race for the highly-coveted striker, who many believe will be Harry Kane’s successor.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca worked with Delap whilst they were at Manchester City under-21s, so it seems as though that may have given them an upper hand in negotiations.
Everton could now turn to Nick Woltemade
The Toffees have been planning for this outcome and will now turn to what appears to be their second choice.
Moyes has recently shortlisted Nick Woltemade as a Delap alternative after his prolific season with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
The 6ft 6 centre-forward netted 17 times and enjoyed a productive campaign with Germany’s under-21s, too.
Everton fans have already decided they’d love to sign Woltemade, with some even preferring that move over Delap.
Stuttgart are scrambling to get Woltemade on a new contract, with Arsenal also circling.