Liam Delap’s Chelsea future: Everton emerge as leading destination

Liam Delap’s future has become one of Chelsea’s key priorities as the club enters a crucial phase of its summer transfer business.

The striker does not appear to be part of Chelsea’s plans for the forward line, and with the squad needing to be reduced, the club is now focused on finding suitable solutions for players who have been given permission to leave.

Delap is one of the more interesting cases. Chelsea paid Ipswich Town £30 million for the striker, but his spell at Stamford Bridge has so far failed to deliver the progress the club had hoped for.

The Blues remain keen to recoup a significant portion of their investment, although there is an understanding that their asking price must reflect current market conditions.

Chelsea have been linked with a potential £50 million valuation, but sources believe that figure would be unrealistic. The club are instead expected to target around £40 million, although even reaching that amount could require lengthy negotiations.

At present, Everton appear to be the most likely destination for Delap.

The Merseyside club have been interested in a deal, while Delap himself is reportedly intrigued by the possibility of moving to Everton. He is attracted by the club’s ambition and Premier League pedigree, while a return to the north of England would also appeal to him.

Much of Delap’s senior career has been spent in the north. During his time with Manchester City, he enjoyed loan spells with Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City between 2022 and 2024.

However, it was at Ipswich Town where Delap truly established himself. His performances there persuaded Chelsea to make a move, but the striker is now looking for regular first-team football, a manager who believes in his ability and a system suited to his strengths.

That could make Everton an attractive destination, although they are not the only club monitoring his situation.

Manchester United have previously been linked with Delap, but sources indicate there has been no significant progress from Old Trafford over a move for the striker at this stage of the transfer window.

Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United have also shown interest, while several clubs from overseas have registered their interest.

Como, Villarreal and Benfica are among those understood to have looked at the England striker. However, according to sources, Delap would prefer to remain in English football.

For Chelsea, the situation is now less about determining whether Delap has a long-term future at Stamford Bridge and more about securing the right deal for his departure.

For Delap, meanwhile, the priority is finding the right environment where he can play regularly and finally develop into the striker Chelsea believed they were signing.

Everton currently appear best placed to offer him that opportunity, but the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the growing mutual interest develops into a completed transfer.