Everton have identified the player they want to lead their summer transfer targets this summer, according to Football Insider.
The Toffees have had a strong campaign in their first season in the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, and currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, just three points behind Brentford as they chase for a European spot for next season.
But manager David Moyes is keen to ensure the squad is strengthened even further to maintain improvement and standards at the club, and now they have decided upon their priority target.
Everton Make Liam Delap Top Target
Liam Delap
A new striker is expected to be sought after on Merseyside, with both Beto and Thierno Barry struggling to make the centre-forward spot their own, having scored just eight Premier League goals between them this season.
Now Moyes has made it clear that the man he wants to lead his line next season is Chelsea striker Liam Delap, just 12 months after he turned down Everton to move to Stamford Bridge instead.
After a fine campaign with Ipswich, Delap was a wanted man by a number of Premier League clubs but opted to join the west London side after they qualified for the Champions League, with Chelsea triggering his £30m release clause and handing him a six-year contract. However, he has struggled in his maiden campaign and now his future is in doubt.
Chelsea Want to Recoup £30m Fee for Delap
Bournemouth's James Hill challenges Chelsea's Liam Delap for a header
Delap has managed to score just once in the Premier League this season after a string of injuries and inconsistent performances, and now the Blues are considering his long-term future at the club with Emmanuel Emegha set to join, Nicolas Jackson to return from his loan, plus Joao Pedro already at the club.
The 23-year-old, who has been described as 'exceptional', is someone who fits the bill for what Moyes typically looks for in a striker, and a £30m deal would be seen as a coup considering his reputation, age and profile.
Liam Delap to Make Everton Better
Liam Delap during a training session with the England under-21 squad
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT how Delap would improve Everton should he sign, and this was its response:
Adds physical presence: strong hold-up play to relieve pressure and bring runners into attacks.
Provides direct goal threat with powerful finishing inside the box.
Improves transition play thanks to pace running channels behind defences.
Offers pressing intensity, fitting a hard-working forward role.
Raises depth and competition at striker, reducing reliance on one focal point.
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