Chelsea and Manchester United are both in pursuit of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap in the wake of his impressive season in East Anglia.
Chelsea have been working hard on a deal for Delap, who worked with Blues boss Enzo Maresca when both were at Manchester City.
However, Chelsea are up against Manchester United in pursuit of Delap, with the Red Devils also eager to strengthen their attacking ranks.
Now, transfer insider Ben Jacobs has claimed that there could be some “bad news for Chelsea” on the Delap front.
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Ben Jacobs explains why Manchester United could soon spell ‘bad news’ for Chelsea regarding Liam Delap
Jacobs was a guest on the latest episode of the London Is Blue Podcast, in which he discussed the latest transfer goings-on at Chelsea.
The transfer insider said there could be “bad news for Chelsea” regarding Liam Delap if Man United win the Europa League and go into the Champions League.
Jacobs also said Delap is “quite intent” on returning to the north west of England if he can, echoing what TBR Football said about Delap’s stance.
“So the names that I’m hearing are Ipswich’s Liam Delap, competition there, Manchester United,” said Jacobs.
“And I am told that the bad news for Chelsea may be if Manchester United win the Europa League, Delap is quite keen on United and they’re ready to pay that £30million clause.
“United sources say they don’t need outgoings. And it’s not to say that Delap doesn’t appreciate the Chelsea pitch and he’s very well known to people like Enzo Maresca and also Joe Shiels.
“It’s more that Delap is quite intent on going back to the north west if he can.”
TBR Football previously revealed that Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool have all touched base with Delap’s camp.
What Liam Delap could bring to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United
Although Ipswich have struggled in the Premier League this season, Delap has held his own, and many think he could really come to the fore in a stronger team.
At just 22 years of age, he’s still in the early days of his career and way off his peak. His potential has certainly caught the eye of a lot of clubs.
Furthermore, Theo Walcott recently said Delap reminds him of Premier League legend Alan Shearer.
“Liam Delap is a player that actually reminds me of a Newcastle player, Alan Shearer, a little bit, if I’m going to compare him to someone,” said Walcott.
“Because of his stature, how he bullies defenders, doesn’t care if they’re playing for the top teams, we’ve seen that this year already.
“I think as well the amount of goals he’s scored already for a struggling Ipswich side at times shows his character, that he actually believes he’s always going to have an opportunity.
“That’s one thing as well, give him that opportunity and he takes it, he’s quick.
“I think people forget how powerful he is and I like the fact he’s a bit old-school bringing it back.”
