‘Chelsea steal inside track over Man United in Liam Delap pursuit with talks now planned’
Chelsea hold an advantage over Manchester United in the race to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
Both the Stamford Bridge outfit and the Red Devils are keen on the England Under-21 international, who has scored 12 goals in 36 Premier League outings this term.
Delap is an attractive option to suitors in the transfer market thanks to his £30million relegation release clause.
His successful exploits in the final third have come despite Ipswich’s Premier League struggles, which have seen the Tractor Boys win just four top-flight games.
Chelsea hold advantage over Man United in Delap race thanks to Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca’s Blues and Ruben Amorim’s Reds are not alone in their interest in the 22-year-old, who has also been eyed by Newcastle United.
| Liam Delap stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
But the Daily Mail [21 May] have revealed that while Man United are viewed as the frontrunners to sign Delap, Chelsea hold the advantage because Maresca worked successfully with the striker while they were both in Manchester City’s youth set up.
The Mail’s report adds that the Ipswich man suits the West London side’s strategy of purchasing young talent and allowing them to develop at Stamford Bridge, while they are set to be handed the opportunity to pitch their plans to the forward who has already held talks with Man United.
Sporting star set for early Chelsea link up
Beating the likes of Man United and Newcastle to Delap’s signature could signal the start of a positive transfer window for a Chelsea outfit who will seal Champions League qualification if they beat Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, 25 May.
After potentially landing a spot at the top table of European football, Maresca will be aware that he must bolster his ranks ahead of next term.
Meanwhile, Sporting ace Geovany Quenda, whose move to the West Londoners has already been announced, is set for an early link-up with Chelsea.
The 18-year-old seemingly has a bright future ahead, having notched three goals and six assists across all competitions this term, while he has made 10 Champions League outings.
Heading to Stamford Bridge ahead of his original schedule could help Quenda integrate into his new surroundings with the Blues, while Delap’s signature would also mark a positive move for Maresca’s men.