Chelsea have set their asking price for Liam Delap as Newcastle United and Everton eye summer moves for the striker. The Blues paid Ipswich Town £30m for Delap last summer after he scored 12 goals in the Premier League for the relegated Tractor Boys. However, the 23-year-old endured a miserable first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring just two goals in 41 appearances and playing back-up to fellow summer signing Joao Pedro.
Underwhelming season sparks exit speculation
Delap, who came through the ranks at Manchester City, failed to meet expectations in west London. A hugely underwhelming 12 months has led to speculation he could be on the move, with Chelsea expected to sell one striker this summer. Pedro has attracted interest from Barcelona but is deemed 'untouchable' by Chelsea, who are more open to selling either Delap or the returning Nicolas Jackson.
Newcastle and Everton keen
Newcastle and Everton have reportedly expressed interest in Delap, but the Daily Mail says Chelsea want at least £40m for the striker. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is keen to sign a new No. 9 following Nick Woltemade's struggles at St James' Park. The Germany international was signed as Alexander Isak's replacement and enjoyed a bright start before fading away and even dropping into midfield at times last season.
Everton, who were keen to sign Delap last summer, are also preparing to bolster David Moyes' attacking options amid speculation Thierno Barry could be sold. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig have made an enquiry for Barry, who joined the Toffees last summer in a deal worth £27m.
Ex-players weigh in
In an exclusive interview with Metro, former England midfielder Danny Murphy suggested incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso would block Delap from leaving. 'I think any manager coming in has to give players a chance so I think he'll want to look at them and see what they've got,' he said on behalf of NetBet football. 'The other thing is that there might not be other clubs who want to take them with the wages they are on or pay the fee for them. That is just the dynamic of football politics and transfers, you can easily say "they haven't done very well let's move them on", but where to, and for how much?'
Murphy added: 'I think Alejandro Garnacho has struggled, and the fans haven't taken to him. A lot of Chelsea's wide players have struggled to be honest, if you look at their front line, it's only really Joao Pedro who has done well. If one was going to leave, I think it would more likely be Garnacho than Liam Delap. Delap is a young lad, and he brings some characteristics that Chelsea don't have. He's different to Joao Pedro so I think Xabi Alonso will give him a crack.'
But ex-Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend believes Delap should be sold, claiming he 'looks like a Championship player'.
