Chelsea have signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town
Chelsea have signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town(Image: Getty Images)
Liam Delap has claimed Chelsea's 'hunger and desire' to get back to being the best club in England was among the reasons behind his move to Stamford Bridge.
Delap was a wanted man as soon as Ipswich Town's relegation was confirmed as a clause in his contract came into operation, allowing him to leave for £30million.
The former Manchester City youngster was on Newcastle United's transfer wishlist, with the Magpies holding talks with the player as they looked to make him their first summer signing.
Manchester United and Everton also presented the player with an option, but Delap eventually decided to link up with Chelsea where he will reunite with Enzo Maresca, who was part of the Man City coaching staff when he broke through the academy at the Etihad.
Delap will also link up with pal and former City teammate Cole Palmer.
Chronicle Live revealed last week that Delap had opted for a move to Stamford Bridge over other options due to Maresca's style of play, the existing quality within the squad and a firm conviction that the club can vie for top honours in the forthcoming seasons.
The last point was confirmed by the player in his first interview after being announced by Chelsea, who lifted the Conference League at the end of the season and also secured a Champions League spot on the final day of the season.
He said: "I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach. It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies."
Delap added: "I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
"The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective."
The 22-year-old scored 12 times in the Premier League - including one in the shock win over Chelsea midway through the season - and was shortlisted for the Young Player of the Year award.
Newcastle have since switched their attention to remaining transfer targets as they look to bring in a forward capable of challenging Alexander Isak for a starting berth, as well as providing depth to the squad ahead of their own Champions League campaign.
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