Chelsea Hold Out Hope for Liam Delap Transfer as Manchester United Close In
Chelsea are continuing to pursue a transfer for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, despite Manchester United being favourites to secure his signature. The Blues are set to play their final game of the season against Nottingham Forest, with victory guaranteeing them Champions League football next season. According to sources, this could yet prove crucial in their pursuit of Delap.
The Independent understands that Chelsea are still hoping to convince Delap to move to Stamford Bridge, with their final game of the season potentially representing another game that could change the summer transfer market. A win at Nottingham Forest would guarantee Enzo Maresca’s side Champions League football next season, and there is some hope within the club that could persuade the Ipswich Town striker to change plans.
The Portman Road dressing room are understood to have felt Delap will most likely end up at United, but this week could yet prove crucial in that regard. Ruben Amorim’s side now won’t have any European football at all next season, due to the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final, while Chelsea may be able to offer regular football in the club game’s elite competition.
As reported by The Independent, Delap is available for £40m due to a clause in his contract, and United have long been seen as being most advanced in the pursuit of Delap. He is in a premium position this summer, due to both that clause, as well as how many major clubs are looking for the limited number of forwards available.
The 20-year-old, not 22 as previously reported, is highly sought after, and Chelsea are not the only club interested in his services. However, the Blues may have an advantage over their rivals, with their potential participation in the Champions League next season. As The Independent previously reported, Delap’s future is set to be a major talking point this summer, with several top clubs interested in his services.
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Delap have been boosted by the fact that Manchester United will not be playing in the Champions League next season. The Red Devils’ defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final means they will not have any European football to compete in next season, which could make Chelsea’s offer of regular Champions League football more attractive to Delap. As The Independent noted, this could be a major factor in Delap’s decision-making process.
In related news, Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his delight at the prospect of competing in the Champions League next season. "It’s a huge opportunity for us," he said. "We’re looking forward to it and we’ll do everything we can to make sure we’re ready for it." The Blues’ final game of the season against Nottingham Forest will be crucial in determining their chances of competing in the Champions League, and potentially, their chances of signing Delap.
The transfer market is set to be highly competitive this summer, with several top clubs looking to strengthen their squads. Delap’s situation will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as he weighs up his options and decides which club to join. With Chelsea and Manchester United both interested, the battle for his signature is set to be intense. The Independent will continue to provide updates on this story as it develops.
According to The Independent sources, Delap’s decision is expected to be influenced by the prospect of regular first-team football, and Chelsea’s potential participation in the Champions League next season could give them an edge over Manchester United.
The news provides a boost to Chelsea’s hopes of signing the highly sought-after striker, and fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the transfer saga.
