Everton are in the mix to sign Liam Delap this summer, and it’s been claimed the striker is more likely to leave Chelsea on loan rather than permanently.
Caught Offside have reported about Delap’s situation, which is far from simple after a tricky first season at Stamford Bridge.
Liam Delap joined Chelsea last summer for £30 million (BBC Sport) following Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League.
Winter window now shut, what striker do you want signed in the summer for Everton? 💥
No excuses can be made when the window opens again 😫
Troy Parrott lined up for the Republic of Ireland. Ivan Toney playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Richarlison playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile/Yasser Bakhsh/Molly Darlington/Copa.
He was not short of suitors after a great season in the top-flight, and Everton were among the teams trying to sign him.
But he chose Chelsea in the end, and potentially that may have been the wrong choice.
Speculation is already picking up about Delap’s future, and today there has been a new report about the striker.
Everton learn Chelsea more likely to loan out Liam Delap
Liam Delap playing for Chelsea.
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Caught Offside have reported that Chelsea are more likely to loan Delap – who Everton are said to be tracking again – out this summer, rather than cash in on him.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
But journalist Mark Brus does say that a permanent sale cannot be totally ruled out.
He says: “Delap might not have much longer at Chelsea,” one source in the industry told me. “It’s clear that he’s struggled, and they’ll be open to a loan this summer – that could be with an option or obligation to buy, but don’t be surprised if they’re open to permanent offers straight away.
“I’d be surprised if Delap was still at Chelsea next season,” another source said. “I’m hearing that several clubs are already informed and considering their next steps.”
Caught Offside list the clubs that are currently eyeing Delap, and they include Manchester United, Newcastle United, Everton, Brighton, and Sunderland.
United are particularly keen, having hoped to sign him last summer just like Everton.
Delap loan could help Everton
With it being claimed that a loan is more likely for Delap at this stage, one would imagine this will only intrigue Everton more.
With clubs constantly having to be mindful of PSR these days, loan deals can be very important.
Liam Delap ahead of playing for Chelsea.
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Getting Delap in on loan would potentially be good, as part of the transfer budget could then be used upgrading other positions.
Perhaps Everton could seek to negotiate an option to buy clause, just as they did with Manchester City over Jack Grealish.
He’s a player Everton really wanted last summer and surely the Toffees will be looking at potentially doing a deal again this summer, especially given the clear need to upgrade on Beto, who had interest from other clubs in January.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox