TBR Football can exclusively confirm the latest around Chelsea and Liam Delap as a move to Stamford Bridge edges ever closer.
Earlier this week, TBR Football confirmed that Delap had decided on a move to Chelsea ahead of fellow suitors Manchester United and Everton.
The 22-year-old had an impressive season for Ipswich Town, scoring 12 goals for a side that was relegated in their first season back in the Premier League.
Now, TBR Football can reveal when Chelsea want to announce Delap’s signing, along with how club sources feel about having landed him.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Chelsea want Liam Delap signing announced by Monday amid high hopes for ‘next star striker’
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can confirm that Liam Delap’s Chelsea medical has been pencilled in to start on Friday.
The Blues want to announce the signing of Delap by Monday, potentially even over the weekend.
Chelsea plan to integrate Delap immediately into the first team; he is set to head to the Club World Cup with his new club.
Bailey exclusively told TBR Football: “Chelsea are delighted to get this done… he really was wanted by the club.
“I am told that was a major appeal for him – from the hierarchy to Enzo Maresca, he was wanted and the plan they put in place was hugely appealing.
“Chelsea think they have got their next star striker who could become a club legend… they rate him that highly.”
READ MORE: How Chelsea helped make football history with their Europa Conference League win
The Premier League legends Liam Delap has been compared to in recent months
Theo Walcott recently claimed that Delap reminds him of Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer.
“Liam Delap is a player that actually reminds me of a Newcastle player, Alan Shearer, a little bit, if I’m going to compare him to someone,” said Walcott.
“Because of his stature, how he bullies defenders, doesn’t care if they’re playing for the top teams, we’ve seen that this year already.”
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′
Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca previously said Delap is a “real” No. 9 just like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
“In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic,” said the Chelsea boss.
“I think he’s scored 12 goals already. It’s not just in terms of his numbers. The way he plays and fights and is always ‘there’.”
Maresca further added: “To compare Liam with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, it’s a bit early.
“But in terms of style, he’s that kind of player. They are all real nines.”