Chelsea transfer news: Manchester United-linked Liam Delap 'leaning' towards move to Premier League giant

Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap is reportedly ready to give the green light to a move to either Chelsea or Manchester United.

With a £30m clause having been activated courtesy of Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League, Delap is wanted by an array of top-flight clubs.

The 22-year-old's return of 12 goals and two assists from 32 starts and five substitute outings in his first-ever Premier League campaign has impressed a number of higher-profile teams.

For several weeks, the suggestion has been that Man United was his preferred destination, a major factor being his previous time spent in that area of the country with Manchester City.

According to talkSPORT, Delap has had a change of heart and decided to move to Chelsea.

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Delap primed for Stamford Bridge switch

The report, alleges that Delap is ready to give the green light to a move to West London and reunite himself with Enzo Maresca, a former coach in Manchester City's academy system.

Chelsea securing Champions League football for next season - when United will not have continental action on their calendar - has seemingly played its part in convincing the Englishman to move to the capital.

Delap had seemingly made the decision prior to Chelsea lifting the Conference League trophy with a 4-1 victory over Real Betis on Wednesday night.

While Newcastle United and Everton were also said to be monitoring developments, the latter known to have held talks with the Toffees, they were always outsiders in the race.

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Fitting the Chelsea model

Despite Delap emerging as one of the best young strikers in the Premier League this season, he still has much to prove in the long term.

This is still a player who has only scored 25 times in his professional career, more than half of his appearances coming in the Championship.

On the flip side, Delap fits the profile of player that Chelsea have been craving, a physically-imposing player who has the ability to be clinical in the final third.

Even if Delap signs on the dotted line, Chelsea may remain in the market for another attacker, but the current expectation is that the England Under-21 international will rival Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu for a starting spot.

Written by
Darren Plant