‘Chelsea in pole position to sign Liam Delap but he should join Everton instead’
Ipswich Town star Liam Delap will be one of England’s hottest properties this summer with Chelsea, Man United and Everton all widely linked with the striker.
The 22-year-old has scored 12 goals in his debut Premier League season despite playing for a below-par Ipswich side who are set to drop to the Championship.
It has been widely reported that Delap will be available for just £30million this summer if the Tractor Boys’ relegation is confirmed.
Football Insider revealed on Thursday (10 April) Everton will struggle to compete with Man United and Chelsea for Delap’s signature.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has suggested why the young striker should choose David Moyes’ side this summer.
Delap making ‘huge mistake’ by chasing Europe, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted Delap chasing European football at his next club would be a “huge mistake”.
The ex-CEO insisted the striker “plays at 100%” and risks being overloaded if he plays too many games at a crucial point for his development.
| Appearances (Starts) | 34 (29) |
| Minutes Played | 2422 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Yellow Cards | 10 |
Wyness claimed playing for Everton and putting together a “stellar” season in the Premier League would be the best thing for the England youth international.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I don’t think he’ll go back to City, I really don’t.
“They’ve got enough striking options right now – it’s going to be elsewhere for Delap.
“Chelsea, as I understand it, lead the race. Everton have also been mentioned.
“There’s a lot of talk about him wanting to go to a club with European football.
“I think that would be a huge mistake for him to chase that right now. He’s still got to prove himself in the Premier League.
“His style of play in particular, means that having a break and not playing twice a week would help him.
“He plays at 100%. That’s his attraction – he runs through brick walls.
“I think playing for a club not in Europe and putting together a stellar Premier League season would be in his best interest.
“Obviously, I think it should be Everton. He could be a classic number nine for the club.
“He would fit the bill and I think he should consider it.”
Newcastle set sights on Calvert-Lewin
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed last week (10 April) that Newcastle United are “very keen” to sign Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer this summer.
The 28-year-old is one of the Magpies’ top two targets to replace Callum Wilson – who is out of contract in June.
Newcastle have already made contact with Calvert-Lewin’s representatives to register their interest in a deal – and Everton will need to move for a replacement.
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