Liam Delap looks set for a tough time at Chelsea, having rejected a move to Everton.
The Toffees were one of several clubs that were eyeing the 22-year-old’s signature this summer after it was revealed he had a £30m relegation release clause in his contract.
Everton held talks with Liam Delap, which were believed to be positive. However, Delap rejected Everton for Chelsea and is set to finalise his move to the East London club in the coming days.
Everton want a striker this summer, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract running out and no indication of David Moyes renewing it. The England international’s exit would leave Everton with Beto and Youssef Chermiti as his options up front, so more quality is required ahead of the new season.
Moyes can spend freely this summer and has every intention to, with the PSR restrictions finally behind them. Everton confirmed the signing of Carlos Alcaraz on a two-year deal on Sunday to kickstart their summer recruitment drive.
With Delap set to complete his move to Chelsea, a new report has shared that he may not have the best of starts at his new club following a decision by Enzo Maresca and the Blues’ recruitment team.
Photo by Cameron Smith - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Cameron Smith – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Chelsea to sign another striker after Liam Delap rejects Everton switch
Delap left talks with Everton feeling impressed. The young striker would be guaranteed consistent first-team football at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and would have the opportunity to prove his form for Ipswich Town was not just a one-off.
However, with the promise of first-team football and Champions League games next season, Chelsea’s offer was just too tempting for Delap.
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While the move to Chelsea looks good on paper, it has been revealed that Maresca is still looking to sign another striker after Delap, leaving his chances of starting each week hanging in the balance.
The Daily Mail have stated that Chelsea are keen on signing a second striker after Delap, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike their top target.
The report adds that talks between Chelsea and Ekitike are set to take place later this week.
Everton eyeing Bundesliga striker after missing out on Liam Delap
With Moyes poised to sign a striker for Everton, he must now look elsewhere, having lost the race for Delap.
All hope is not lost, as Moyes has now got his eyes on the perfect alternative to the Englishman who currently plays in the Bundesliga.
Nick Woltemade Bundesliga Statistics
Appearances 28
Goals 12
Assists 2
Everton are interested in Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, who scored 12 goals in the German top flight this season, the same as Delap delivered for Ipswich.
While no price tag has been shared, Everton will be backed by the Friedkin Group this summer, so they should be more than happy to distribute the funds required to sign him.