Everton backed to 'finally' agree striker signing after Chelsea beat them to deal
Everton have been backed to "finally" pull off the signing of Liam Delap after Chelsea pipped them to a deal with Ipswich last summer.
David Moyes has been a long-term admirer of the 23-year-old and there is a growing belief he could be prised away from Stamford Bridge after a poor first season.
Xabi Alonso's arrival as Chelsea manager has cast doubt over the striker's future, and Everton are now poised to capitalise on that uncertainty.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Delap is seen as the "perfect" target for David Moyes and would be a great fit for his system.
The Toffees are keen to land a new striker amid concerns about the performances and consistency of Beto and Thierno Barry in the Premier League.
Delap's potential availability has placed them on high alert as a result, and they could now revisit the deal they initially held talks over 12 months ago.
Could Everton make a move for Liam Delap?
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 27 June that Everton have made contact over a deal for Delap and have already spoken to the player and his representatives.
They are not the only Premier League team interested in signing the former Ipswich Town man, but believe they can steal a march on their rivals by moving quickly.
Everton's determination to sign Delap, combined with Moyes offering a better role for him after his Chelsea frustrations, could be enough to convine him of the move.
"Everton have been interested in signing Delap since last summer, when they missed out," Brown told Football Insider.
"I thought at the time it was a strange decision for him to join Chelsea, and it hasn't worked out for him at all, he just doesn't fit in to the style of play and what they expect there.
"Everton, on the other hand, would be perfect for him because he's got that physicality and determination that Moyesey wants from his strikers.
"I've been concerned by his Chelsea form, because at times he hasn't shown that willingness and fight that he usually shows, and that's a big part of his game.
"But a move to Everton, where he'd be in a better environment and have more support from the manager and the fans, could be enough to bring the best assets out of him.
"I'm definiely expecting them to revisit this one, as I said, they wanted him last year and were disappointed to miss out, so they're not going to pass up the opportunity now."
How do Chelsea feel about selling Delap this summer?
Chelsea beat multiple rivals including Everton to sign Delap last summer, but his move to Stamford Bridge hasn't had the impact he or the club had hoped for.
The Blues moved quickly to trigger the £30million release clause in his Ipswich contract last summer, having scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League games in 2024-25.
However, after scoring just one goal in 28 games last time out, Football Insider revealed Chelsea are now prepared to move him on amid interest from multiple clubs.
The Blues are believed to be open to offers of around £40million, which would see them make a profit on his big-money signing, but that price could be knocked down.