Liam Delap chooses Chelsea transfer as Fabrizio Romano reveals reason behind Man Utd rejection

Liam Delap is understood to have informed all interested clubs that he is intending to join Chelsea this summer, with the Blues having a crucial edge in signing the Ipswich striker, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

Delap’s relegation release clause of £30 million (€35m) has attracted the attention of a number of sides including Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton, all of whom have held talks with the youngster in recent weeks.

Teams such as Nottingham Forest, Milan and Juventus have also maintained a strong interest in Delap but they are now thought to be aware that he is ‘heading elsewhere’, according to The Athletic.

And Fabrizio Romano revealed that Delap is now completing the details of his contract with Chelsea, having been convinced of a move to Stamford Bridge by their qualification for next season’s Champions League, as well as his appreciation for Enzo Maresca, whom he was coached by as a youth prospect at Manchester City.

Those factors are thought to have ‘made the difference’ to Delap and Chelsea are now set to formally activate Delap’s release clause before finalising a long-term contract with the London side.

In light of Delap’s decision, Ipswich are reported to be keen on taking Chelsea’s young striker Marc Guiu on loan, although the 19-year-old has yet to be convinced of a move to the Championship.

Chelsea still monitoring more strikers despite Delap deal

A move for Delap would represent a significant coup for Chelsea in light of their Europa Conference League success this week, with the forward’s arrival finally giving Maresca a young, alternative option to Nicolas Jackson in attack.

Jackson scored in the final against Real Betis to take his overall goal tally to 13 in all competitions, but the 23-year-old’s continued inconsistency up front prompted Chelsea to make the pursuit of a striker among their highest priorities this summer.

The Blues still hold a strong interest in the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike, while they are in talks with affiliate club Strasbourg to sign Emanuel Emegha on a pre-contract agreement to join in 2026.

However, the club have always pushed hardest for Delap and have beaten off a number of rivals for his signature, with Chelsea now set to ramp up their transfer business and address more areas of their squad after finally finishing their season ahead of June’s Club World Cup.

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