Chelsea have already reached out to Ipswich Town regarding a potential move for the club's star striker, Liam Delap.
That's according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who said on GiveMeSport’s Market Madness that the Englishman is "on the list" for the Blues, who are actively searching for a new forward ahead of the summer.
Delap, 22, has been a standout performer for struggling Ipswich this season, netting 10 goals in 22 Premier League appearances while impressing with both his finishing ability and hold-up play.
"He’s a player they appreciate," Romano said. "They already made some contact in January to understand the financial package needed."
"For Ipswich, it was obviously impossible to accept any proposal in January. He was untouchable, but in the summer, it will be different," he explained, adding that Delap is "one of the names Enzo Maresca keeps mentioning in internal meetings."
"He obviously knows the player since they were together at Manchester City’s academy," Romano said. "So Delap is there.”
Delap joined Ipswich in the summer from Manchester City, with the Tractor Boys paying around £20 million for his services.
As Romano alluded to, Maresca is well aware of Delap’s abilities, having coached the Winchester-born striker during his time in City's youth setup.
Ahead of Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Ipswich in December—where Delap found the net—Maresca was full of praise for his former player.
"Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age," the Italian coach told reporters. "I think we spent one year together, and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker."
"England have many good players, many good strikers, [but] he's working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game, and can score goals," he added. "I think he can be an important player for England."
Chelsea don't need Liam Delap
Everything Chelsea says...
With Marc Guiu still in his teens and Christopher Nkunku struggling and likely to depart in the summer, Chelsea will need a new striker to provide competition for the struggling Nicolas Jackson.
What they don’t need, however, is an expensive yet relatively unproven English talent leading the line.
According to reports, Ipswich will demand as much as £50 million for Delap, a hefty price for a player who, even in a standout season, will likely finish with just double-digit goals for one of the league’s strugglers.
Delap has potential, but for that kind of money, Chelsea could secure a player with far more proven quality. Victor Osimhen is reportedly available for just a fraction more, while LOSC Lille forward Jonathan David will be available on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
If we were Maresca, no matter how much he may like Delap, we'd be snapping up the Canadian instead—without hesitation.
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