‘Liam Delap’s key conditions emerge as Chelsea and Man United duel for transfer’
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is attracting major transfer interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United and the potential deciding factors for him have emerged.
The England Under-21 international is set to leave Kieran McKenna’s side this summer, and Football Insider exclusively revealed that Nottingham Forest are also one of the interested parties.
Delap has notched 12 goals in the Premier League this season, proving his top-flight credentials even though the Tractor Boys are set for relegation.
The 22-year-old has a £30million relegation clause in his contract, which is particularly attractive to suitors in the transfer market such as Chelsea, Man United, and Everton.
Delap wants regular game time and European football
Despite sitting just 16th in the Premier League, Man United can still qualify for the Champions League if they beat Tottenham in this month’s Europa League final.
| Liam Delap stats | 2024/25 Premier League |
| Appearances | 35 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
Qualifying for Europe will bolster the Red Devils’ chances of signing Delap, as Nick Mashiter revealed via BBC Sport’s live blog [13 May, 10.38am]: “I’m told he is someone who will pick his next move very carefully, so regular football and a European campaign will be tempting.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea are yet to secure Champions League qualification, but are set to compete in some form of European football next term, whether via league position or winning the Europa Conference League.
Delap could be a solid acquisition for either Chelsea or Man United
While the likes of Forest and Newcastle are also interested in Delap, he could be an ideal addition for either Chelsea or Man United.
By notching 12 goals in the Premier League this term, the 22-year-old has proven he can deliver quality in the top-flight even when surrounded by a group of players who have largely struggled to adjust after winning promotion from the Championship last season.
If Delap joined Man United, he would be an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored just four goals in 30 Premier League appearances this campaign.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has struggled for consistency at Stamford Bridge despite making a respectable return of 10 goals and five assists in 30 top-flight outings.
Delap could thrive at Man United, where he would enjoy service from the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo, while he could also effectively link up with Cole Palmer if he joined Enzo Maresca’s men.