Everton are reportedly targeting Chelsea forward Liam Delap for a summer move, following a disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town last summer for £30 million after an impressive Premier League campaign, but has struggled to replicate that form in west London.
Delap's Struggles at Chelsea
Delap scored just one Premier League goal in 27 appearances for Chelsea, with only two goals in 40 outings across all competitions. The former Manchester City academy product has found it difficult to secure a regular starting spot, starting 12 of his 27 league games. Despite signing a six-year contract less than a year ago, his future at the club is uncertain.
Everton's Interest and Saha's Endorsement
According to reports, Delap is one of Everton's top targets for the upcoming transfer window, alongside making Jack Grealish's loan move from Manchester City permanent. Former Everton striker Louis Saha has urged Delap to make the switch, believing the Toffees can help him fulfil his potential.
'Chelsea's strategy is a bit messy,' Saha said via Compare.Bet. 'They've mixed a lot of profiles without really thinking it through, hoping something special would come out of it. But that's not how football works. This sometimes leads to bad consequences and can destroy the confidence of many players, and Liam Delap has been one of them.'
Saha added: 'I do think that Everton will bring him back to his high standard and can help him fulfil his potential. He'd definitely bring something different than Beto and Barry. I think there are good things that will come out of this move if it materialises. I genuinely believe that Liam can be the type of striker who scores 20 goals if he's given the right chance.'
Moyes' Ambitions
Everton manager David Moyes has made it clear he wants the club's owners to spend big this summer as he aims to push for European qualification next season. 'I believe that's what we need to do and I also want the ownership to show that as well,' Moyes said. 'I want them to come out and show, "We're here, we're going again, we're supporting you." And by the way, you can't always just keep spending bundles of cash, you have to get some rewards for it somewhere along the line. But I hope we can add to what we've got. I hope we can excite the supporters a little bit with what we're trying to do.'
Delap's move to Everton could depend on how new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso rates the striker, but Saha is confident that a change of scenery would benefit the England Under-21 international.
