A host of Premier League sides are on alert to the possibility of Chelsea trying to offload Liam Delap ahead of the summer window.
According to Caught Offside, Chelsea are reportedly thinking hard about Liam Delap’s future beyond the current season. The former Ipswich Town star has not lived up to expectations, as the Blues might lose their patience and offload him in the summer, as such a possibility has alerted a few of the Premier League sides.
Chelsea fought Manchester United for the signature of Liam Delap and activated a £30 million release clause in his Ipswich Town contract. The attacker was seen as a long-term investment given his homegrown status as well as his performances in the solitary seasons with the Tractor Boys.
Chelsea have developed a reputation for signing young talents, with the idea of either keeping them for the long term or flipping them for profit in the market. While they had initial ideas of developing Delap as a future star, they are now probably leaning toward the latter, should they have offers on the table.
A host of teams are keeping tabs on Delap’s situation, with the £30 million Chelsea forward scoring just a single Premier League goal since his summer move. The report does state that the Blues might be open to a loan with or without a buy option/obligation, but may not oppose the idea of a permanent sale.
Chelsea are already linked with Samu Aghehowa, who is of a similar age and profile to Delap. Should they revive their interest in the Spanish international, he could be Delap’s direct replacement in the summer, as the former Ipswich striker could have a host of teams, including Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle United chasing.
Liam Delap to leave Chelsea?
There’s the possibility of a departure in the summer, but the £30 million Chelsea forward may have the chance to save his Stamford Bridge career in the months ahead. As for his suitors, Manchester United pursued him last summer before they spent heavily on the signing of Benjamin Sesko, as the Slovenian’s presence may see them move away from links to Delap.
As for Everton and Newcastle United, those teams might look into the possibility of landing Delap, as they could seek a new striker. There are rumours of Nick Woltemade’s long-term future, while the Toffees are expected to part ways with Beto, as Delap could replace either of those forwards.