At one stage, it looked like Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap would definitely be joining Manchester United instead of Chelsea this summer.
Liam Delap is a target for Chelsea, but their Premier League rivals United are also pushing for his signature right now.
Last week, it was claimed that Delap would rather join United than Chelsea in a frustrating development for the Blues.
However, they still appear to be in the race for the 22-year-old, with his mind not completely made up yet.
Liam Delap wants talks with other clubs before making decision on future
According to The Athletic, United have already held face-to-face discussions with Delap, so the Red Devils seem to be the club leading the race for the player’s signature.
The same outlet claims, though, that Chelsea are still there and that Delap wants to have “meaningful discussions” with all of his suitors before deciding which club to join.
It means that the Blues are still alive in this race, which is great news for the club. Delap is a striker Chelsea really like, The Chelsea Chronicle has been informed.
They do have other options if they do go on to miss out on him, however. Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is also on Chelsea’s radar, for example.
Gyokeres has been in ridiculous form this season, scoring 53 goals in all competitions.
When you consider that, the Sweden international would be the better signing. But at 22, Delap fits the profile of player Chelsea have been targeting in recent windows.
What Liam Delap could demand in talks with Chelsea
Chelsea may have to offer Delap big wages in any discussions they hold with the Englishman.
It is thought that Delap wants a £150,000-a-week contract at his next club, which would make him one of the highest earners at Stamford Bridge.
It remains to be seen whether the Blues will be willing to offer that kind of money. But one thing is clear: Enzo Maresca needs another striker.
First-choice centre-forward Nicolas Jackson has been inconsistent and has picked up both an injury and a suspension this season.
