Everton FC in Talks with Ipswich’s Liam Delap and Liverpool’s Ben Doak
Everton Football Club have held talks with Ipswich Town’s highly sought-after striker Liam Delap over a potential summer move, according to reports. The Toffees are also understood to be interested in signing Liverpool winger Ben Doak, a move that would see the 19-year-old become the first player to move directly from Liverpool to Everton since Gary Ablett in 1992.
According to The Guardian, Delap has a £30m release clause in his Ipswich contract, which was activated after the Tractor Boys’ relegation from the Premier League. The 22-year-old is also a target for Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle United, but Everton manager David Moyes believes his side have a chance of landing the striker. Moyes admitted that Everton are “a bit behind the black ball” in the race for Delap, but highlighted the advantage of guaranteeing him a first-choice striker role next season.
“We have had a chance to speak to him,” Moyes said. “He’s spoken to three or four clubs and he’s given us the opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but you never know what happens.” The Everton manager’s comments suggest that the club are optimistic about their chances of signing Delap, who has reportedly been in talks with several top-flight clubs.
Everton’s interest in Doak is also reported to be genuine, although it remains to be seen whether the club would be willing to meet Liverpool’s £30m valuation of the young winger. Doak enjoyed a productive loan spell at Middlesbrough this season, before sustaining a thigh injury that required surgery in January. The 19-year-old joined Liverpool from Celtic in 2022 for a compensation fee of £600,000, and has since caught the eye of several top-flight clubs.
In a separate development, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite will miss England’s attempt to retain the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia next month due to injury. The 20-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in Sunday’s win over Southampton and is facing a six-week layoff. Moyes confirmed that Branthwaite’s injury would rule him out of the tournament, adding that it would “probably be the start of pre-season before we really get him back.”
Branthwaite’s absence will be a blow to England’s Under-21 side, who are seeking to retain their European title. The tournament will take place in Slovakia next month, and Moyes believes that it would have been a great opportunity for Branthwaite to gain valuable experience. However, with the defender facing a six-week layoff, it seems unlikely that he will be available for selection.
Leighton Baines will remain part of Moyes’ backroom team at Everton, the manager confirmed. The former Everton full-back has been working in a coaching role at the club, and Moyes revealed that he would continue in this position. With several high-profile transfers reportedly on the agenda, Moyes will be hoping to make a significant impact on the transfer market this summer.
The Guardian understands that Everton are actively pursuing several top targets, and Moyes’ comments suggest that the club are making progress in their negotiations. With Delap and Doak reportedly on their radar, it seems likely that Everton will make a significant splash in the transfer market this summer. Only time will tell if the Toffees are able to land their top targets, but Moyes’ comments suggest that the club are optimistic about their chances.
Everton’s summer transfer plans are set to be a fascinating story to follow, with several top-class players reportedly on their radar. As the transfer window heats up, Moyes and his team will be working tirelessly to bring in the right players to strengthen their squad. With the club reportedly holding talks with Delap and considering a move for Doak, it seems likely that Everton will make a significant impact on the transfer market this summer.
In related news, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has spoken highly of Doak, praising his young winger’s talent and potential. “Ben is an exceptional talent,” Klopp said. “He’s got a lot of potential and a lot of pace. He’s a really interesting player and I’m sure he’ll have a big future ahead of him.” Klopp’s comments highlight the level of talent that Doak possesses, and it seems likely that several top-flight clubs will be interested in signing him this summer.
As the transfer window continues to heat up, Everton’s interest in Delap and Doak will be a story to follow. With Moyes and his team working tirelessly to strengthen their squad, it seems likely that the Toffees will make a significant impact on the transfer market this summer. Only time will tell if they are able to land their top targets, but The Guardian’s reporting suggests that Everton are actively pursuing several top-class players.
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