‘Chelsea are concerned about Liam Delap’ as Premier League club plot January swoop
Liam Delap has struggled with a difficult start to his Chelsea career both on and off the pitch and Enzo Maresca’s side are beginning to grow concerned.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old’s injuries and on-pitch displays have caused questions to be asked.
Delap injured his shoulder in Chelsea’s draw with Bournemouth, leading Maresca to label the injury “quite bad” shortly after his return from a two-month spell on the sidelines.
It has since been suggested that the shoulder injury could rule him out until the end of January, so he will have missed over four months at this early stage of his Chelsea career.
That, combined with his failure to find the net after eight Premier League appearances so far this season, have heightened concerns about the striker at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have new concerns about Liam Delap
Brown warned Football Insider in May that Delap would suit a move to Everton rather than Chelsea, as he is unlikely to be afforded patience and playing time in West London.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has now insisted questions are being asked after his slow start at Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea are concerned about Delap,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s picked up another injury having just returned to the side, that’s never a good thing especially at this early stage of his time there because he’s missing a lot of games.
“I don’t mean to sound harsh, but he was a victim of the lack of available strikers in the summer, because while he was impressive for Ipswich, it’s a big jump to Chelsea.
“He was never going to be the answer to their prayers leading the line there, it was always to do with him having the potential to become a top player.
“All of a sudden, he’s had a bit of a slow start, and questions are being asked.
“His injuries are one thing, but his performances so far have been a bit of a concern as well.
“He’s a talented player and he’s got a lot of assets which can make him a top striker, but you don’t always get given time to show that at Chelsea.
“I’m sure he will turn things around and things will finally click for him, but he needs a run in the side and a run without an injury to prove himself.”
Delap could be handed a way out of Chelsea
Football Insider revealed on 5 December that Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Delap and would be interested in bringing him to Villa Park in January.
Unai Emery’s side would be able to offer the England Under-21 star a more regular role in the starting XI, providing he could stay fit for a sustained period.
This comes amid concerns about their lack of depth in attack, with Ollie Watkins the only recognised out-and-out striker at Emery’s disposal.
Football Insider revealed on 8 November that Aston Villa want to sign a striker in January, as they aim to provide some competition for Watkins.
The England international finally hit form as he scored twice in Villa’s 4-3 win against Brighton at the Amex, but their lack of depth is still a concern.
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