Chelsea confident of landing Ipswich striker ahead of Manchester United | OneFootball

Liam Delap Transfer Battle Heats Up as Chelsea Eye Ipswich Sensation

Chelsea step up interest in rising Ipswich star

As the summer transfer window draws nearer, Chelsea are reportedly growing in confidence that they can win the race for Ipswich Town’s in-demand striker Liam Delap. The 22-year-old has impressed during his debut Premier League campaign, netting 12 goals for a struggling Ipswich side, and is emerging as a top target for several top-flight clubs.

Despite serious interest from Manchester United, reports suggest Enzo Maresca’s side are “very much still pursuing” Delap and quietly positioning themselves to take advantage of Ipswich’s likely relegation. According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea believe they could steal a march on their rivals, with Maresca a long-time admirer of the forward.

£30m release clause seen as a bargain

Delap’s contract includes a £30 million release clause—a figure that may prove to be a bargain given his Premier League goal tally and potential. While Manchester United’s interest is described as “genuine,” their broader search for attacking reinforcements could offer Chelsea the window to act decisively.

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The Blues are said to be carefully planning their approach, with a clear sense that Delap could be lured to Stamford Bridge. Ipswich’s precarious position in the table only adds to the uncertainty around the young forward’s future. Even West Ham and Manchester City have been mentioned in connection with Delap, but few expect those clubs to outmuscle Chelsea or United in the chase.

McKenna remains calm amid transfer talk

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has remained diplomatic when discussing Delap’s future. Speaking recently, he commented:

“It’s not something that’s been discussed loads internally at the moment because everyone’s focus has been on Bournemouth, Wolves and now Chelsea.”

Asked directly about the possibility of Delap staying at Ipswich, McKenna remained open-minded but realistic:

“If you ask me is that a possibility [that Delap stays], I think it’s certainly a possibility. Liam’s a young striker, he’s developing really well at the football club, he’s happy and is improving every week and we’re enjoying working with him. I’m sure there’s lots of different possibilities but Liam’s an Ipswich player, he enjoys being an Ipswich player and that’s where his full focus is.”

McKenna acknowledged the ongoing speculation, but praised Delap’s attitude and focus:

“I’ve not seen much of it [transfer talk], to be honest. I’m pretty good at blocking it out but it’s definitely a stage for really blocking it all out and focusing on ourselves. I think there’s been chat about Liam all season, if there hadn’t been it would be very unusual. He’s done fantastically well, there’s very few like him in world football and he’s only going to get better.”

Future still in Ipswich hands—for now

Despite the noise surrounding Delap’s future, Ipswich hold the cards until that £30m clause is activated. McKenna remains hopeful the young striker can continue his development in Suffolk:

“If there wasn’t a lot of chat, if there wasn’t a lot of clubs linked and interested then I’d be questioning the sanity of all the other clubs. It’s a good thing for us, it’s a good thing for the club. Liam’s very happy here, he’s developing well and that’s where his focus is. He picked up a really heavy knock on Saturday in the game so he’s missed some training this week, but I know his full focus is on getting ready to help the team and help the team in the last seven games.”

With Chelsea circling and United hesitating, the battle for Delap’s signature is far from over—but it’s becoming clear who’s ready to move first.