Chelsea set to beat Man Utd to Liam Delap signing

Chelsea are closing in on a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

The 22-year-old is set to make a decision on his future imminently as he does not want a transfer saga to distract him from the U21 European Championship with England.

Delap is one of the Premier League’s most sought-after commodities, and a host of clubs have made contact with him in recent weeks to sound out a potential summer move.

Due to a relegation release clause, Delap is allowed to leave Ipswich for just €35 million, which has made him all the more attractive to suitors. Chelsea were the early frontrunners to sign the striker, but some doubt was cast on a move to Stamford Bridge when Man Utd entered the race.

The Red Devils made it clear to Delap that he is their absolute top target this summer and that they are desperate to sign him. However, with their failure to qualify for the Champions League confirmed, Man Utd quickly became an unappealing destination.

Chelsea set to sign Delap

According to Ben Jacobs, Delap is now firmly leaning towards joining Chelsea, and the Blues are closing in on a deal to sign him. The youngster is determined to play European football next season to put himself in the spotlight for Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Everton and Newcastle have also pitched their projects to Delap, but Jacobs reports that the former Man City prospect is now expected to complete a move to Chelsea.

The Blues are looking to add a striker who can compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting berth rather than outright replace him, and they believe that Delap is the ideal profile.

Moreover, Enzo Maresca knows the 22-year-old from his time at Man City, which has surely also worked in the Blues’ favour. Missing out on Delap is Man Utd’s second big defeat in the market after also being rejected by Viktor Gyokeres.

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