Liam Delap: Everton lead Newcastle in race after Liam Rosenior verdict

Liam Delap is at the centre of a race between Everton and Newcastle United as both aim to lure the Chelsea star into a move this summer.

The 23-year-old has endured a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge since his move from Ipswich Town and could now be handed an exit route.

Both Everton and Newcastle are interested in signing a new striker and have been long-term admirers of the England Under-21 international, having missed out last year.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are currently the favourites to sign Delap and are seen as a better club for his development.

There are doubts about whether Delap was ready to make the jump to Chelsea from Ipswich, but with Everton making ambitious transfer plans, that move could be ideal.

Why do Everton have the edge in race for Liam Delap?

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider last month that Delap could be the next Alan Shearer at Newcastle, with the fans backed to get behind him.

However, it is the weight of that demand and expectation that means the striker could make the step to Everton in a bid to focus and develop his game more.

David Moyes is said to be the perfect manager to help the Chelsea striker grow, while his skillset lends itself perfectly to the way the Toffees like to play.

"There's going to be a lot of interest if Delap leaves Chelsea," Brown told Football Insider.

"Everton would be a good move for him, and a better move than it would be if he went to Newcastle, they're probably the favourites at the moment.

"David Moyes would be great for his development and they've got some great coaches there who would work with him closely to improve his game.

"He suits the way they want to play, he's exactly the type of forward Moyesey likes and that's why they tried to sign him before he went to Chelsea.

"It's a totally different environment to what the situation would be like at Newcastle.

"If you go to Newcastle, particularly as the centre-forward, there's a lot of pressure to hit the ground running and immediately be the next Alan Shearer.

"That's a lot of pressure, and when things start to go wrong it can turn very quickly like what we're seeing with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade.

"It's not that there's no pressure to perform at Everton, but the whole scenario, the club and the style of play, would just suit Delap better there."

How does Liam Rosenior feel about selling Delap?

Despite speculation about the striker's future, there is a feeling he could still have a role to play at Chelsea given his age and relative lack of experience at the top level.

Football Insider revealed in February that Liam Rosenior is reluctant to lose Delap and feels he could work with him to develop his game and become a better player.

However, sources say the Blues are targeting the addition of a new centre-forward after their lack of a regular goalscorer this season, with multiple options on their radar.

The arrival of a new striker would force Delap further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, where there are already questions about his place in the starting XI.

That would provide a huge boost to both Everton and Newcastle in their pursuit, and both clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation.