Chelsea's hopes of winning the race to sign Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap reportedly hinge on one key factor.
The Blues are currently focused on trying to finish in the top five of the Premier League table and win the Conference League final against Real Betis.
However, behind the scenes, club officials are contemplating their options in the transfer market with the acquisition of a new number nine on their list of priorities.
Although among a number of candidates, it has become clear that Delap is a plausible option courtesy of the £30m relegation release clause that has recently become active.
Manchester United are widely viewed as the current favourites to sign the 22-year-old, yet ESPN suggests that Chelsea can still consider themselves to be a potential destination.
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What is key factor in Delap saga?
With Delap formerly of Manchester City, there has been every indication that he is interested in returning to the North-West, regardless of whether Man United qualify for next season's Champions League.
Nevertheless, it is now claimed that the Red Devils failing to overcome Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday's Europa League final would negatively impact their chances.
There would also be a question mark over whether United could afford the £30m buy option without Champions League football, particularly when they are preparing to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha for more than double that amount.
Much will seemingly become clearer after the showpiece occasion in Bilbao, yet it is alleged that United will likely sign Delap should they beat Spurs.
Although Chelsea have guaranteed some kind of European football in 2025-26, a second campaign in the Conference League may not necessarily be deemed to be an attractive option.
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Why is Delap generating interest?
Prior to his arrival at Portman Road last summer, Delap had put together an unspectacular record across loan spells at three different Championship clubs.
However, in one season in East Anglia, he has chipped in with 12 goals from 36 Premier League appearances for a relegated club, as well as put himself in contention for the England squad.
A fee of £30m for a young homegrown talent proven in the Premier League will be viewed as a coup for whoever signs him, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that other teams join the race.
That said, they may need to move quick. United are already prepared to activate Cunha's release clause, and a swift approach to a similar matter would be expected here.
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