Liam Delap could now stay at Chelsea after source's Everton reveal
Liam Delap is keen to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place in Xabi Alonso's squad despite interest from Everton, sources have told Football Insider.
The 23-year-old netted just three times in 47 appearances across his debut season at Chelsea, with his last goal coming in early January.
He has been closely linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge ahead of the summer transfer window, with Xabi Alonso lining up some attacking additions following his appointment as their new boss.
Everton manager David Moyes is a keen admirer of the former Ipswich Town man as he looks to bolster his own forward options, with Football Insider revealing the Merseysiders are currently in pole position among the clubs courting Delap.
Despite interest in his services, Delap has set his sights on impressing Alonso in pre-season, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast.
He is likely to be moved on if Alonso wants to add another striker to his ranks and does not see Delap getting regular game time next term.
Joao Pedro is already ahead of him in the striker pecking order, while Emanuel Emegha and Nicolas Jackson are set to join Alonso's squad for pre-season.
Liam Delap eyeing Chelsea revival under Xabi Alonso
Delap's overly physical style of play saw him criticised last season, as he picked up six yellow cards, one red and even broke Djed Spence's jaw in May.
Newcastle have also been linked to his services this summer, but the Blues striker wants to prove himself to his new manager.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There's a lot of water to go under the bridge before any potential move for Liam Delap. I think Delap, from his own perspective, is keen to stay at Chelsea and prove himself to Xabi Alonso.
"Obviously it was a frustrating debut season for him at Stamford Bridge, but he'll be hoping he can impress Alonso in pre-season to become a key member of his squad going forward into next season.
"If he's not part of the plans, he will have to look elsewhere if he wants to be playing regular first team football next season. That'll be a decision that Chelsea and the player himself will make."
Nicolas Jackson also wants to impress Xabi Alonso this summer
Jackson was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich last summer, but they decided against triggering their £41.5m permanent buy option after his season-long stint.
The Senegal striker scored 11 goals in 34 games for the German giants but failed to ever truly challenge Harry Kane for a regular starting spot.
With rumours around his future rife, sources have revealed to Football Insider that Jackson is keen to impress Alonso as he looks to win his place in the Chelsea squad back.
It remains to be seen if he succeeds, with Delap's future also likely to hinge on what happens with the 25-year-old.