Liverpool have opened talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap as they look to beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the signing.
The 22-year-old is likely to leave the Tractor Boys this summer if their inevitable relegation comes. That fate seems all but certain after a 2-1 defeat to Wolves leaves them 12 points away from safety with seven games remaining. It seems it would take a miracle to save Kieran McKenna’s side from the drop, and clubs would be circling members of their squad.
It is unsurprising that Delap is one wanted by Premier League clubs after he netted 12 times for the newly promoted side this season. The forward has been earmarked by a number of clubs, with Brighton, Everton and Newcastle suitors for the English forward.
Liverpool target a striker as a priority
The Reds are said to be targeting a striker as a priority in this summer transfer window, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez. It has been a hit-and-miss life at Anfield for Nunez, and some say that he could be moved on, with the club having lost patience with the forward. Reports have linked the striker to Saudi Arabian clubs in the past, and Liverpool could be ready to accept offers this summer.
TeamTalk reports that Liverpool have opened talks with Delap ahead of a move this summer, but Chelsea have joined them. The Blues have been another club targeting a striker to offer competition to current striker Nicholas Jackson.
Jackson has been another who has disappointed Blues fans at times, but the Chelsea hierarchy does seem to keep faith in the forward. There is a shortlist of forwards at Stamford Bridge, which Delap is on, above the likes of Benjamin Sesko, who the club do not feel is ready for the Premier League. It could be beneficial to the club to bring in a player who has already hit double figures in the top flight rather than take the risk on a player from the continent who may not work out, as we have seen before.
Liverpool talks deal blow to rivals Manchester United
By opening talks with Delap, Liverpool and Chelsea have dealt a blow to Manchester United, who reportedly have the striker on their wishlist too. It has been evident this season that United are in need of a striker, with the side only managing 31 goals in the league and strikers Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund far below the expected standard.
The two sides would hold the advantage in signing Delap, who would seemingly prefer a move to a club with European football, which a United side will likely miss out on unless they win the Europa League. The Red Devils were handed a boost this week in their pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, a target that Chelsea have ended their hopes of signing in favour of other targets.
Liverpool are expected to be busy this summer, with names like Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of contract and little progress on extensions. Delap could prove less pricey than other options in the forward department, Alexander Isak being one example, who could cost up to £150 million this summer. The English forward could be available for £40 million this summer, but that could increase as Manchester City hold a 20 per cent sell-on clause.