Chelsea lead race for Liam Delap as Man Utd and Newcastle admit defeat

Liam Delap looks set for a move to Chelsea, with rival clubs privately conceding defeat in their pursuit of the Ipswich Town striker, according to The Athletic.

Manchester United, Newcastle United, Everton, Nottingham Forest, AC Milan and Juventus have been informed that Delap is heading elsewhere.

The England youth international reportedly prefers a switch to Stamford Bridge after a breakout Premier League campaign. Chelsea will activate his £30 million release clause.

The 22-year-old joined Ipswich from Manchester City in a deal worth an initial £15m last summer, rising to £20m following Ipswich’s promotion.

Despite their relegation back to the Championship, Delap stood out. He scored 12 of the club’s 33 Premier League goals – the highest individual contribution percentage in Ipswich’s top-flight history.

Only Alexander Isak, Bruno Fernandes and Mohamed Salah registered more goal involvements relative to their team totals this season.

Physically dominant and technically assured, the forward combines power, balance and ball-carrying ability in a way rarely seen in young strikers.

A product of the Manchester City academy, he worked with current Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and Blues players Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia.

Delap made six senior appearances under Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

He spent the two previous seasons on loan at Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City, scoring 12 times in 70 Championship appearances.

After posting those underwhelming numbers, few people anticipated his breakout season at the top level.

Delap’s rise has been rapid, and with Chelsea ready to invest in a forward capable of leading their line for years, they appear poised to win the race for him.

After signing a striker, Chelsea will likely be in the market for a left-winger to replace the suspended Mykhailo Mudryk and a left-back to cover for Marc Cucurella.