Everton manager David Moyes has revealed that the club have held talks with Manchester United target Liam Delap, who is expected to leave Ipswich Town this summer.
Delap has been one of Ipswich's standout performers this season, scoring 12 goals in 36 Premier League appearances since joining the club from Manchester City last summer.
However, the striker's goals could not prevent Kieran McKenna's side from suffering an immediate return to the second tier.
The club's relegation has activated a £30m release clause in Delap's contract, altering a number of his potential suitors ahead of the summer transfer window.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, McKenna admitted that it is "more likely than not" that Delap will leave the club after just one season.
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Everton join Delap transfer battle
Man United are believed to be among the frontrunners to sign Delap after they recently held face-to-face talks with the England Under-21 international.
Chelsea and Newcastle United have also been linked with the forward, and it now appears that Everton have joined the race for his signature.
Moyes has revealed that the Toffees have spoken to Delap, although he admitted that they will have to make up ground if they are to secure his signature.
"We have had a chance to speak to him," the Everton boss told reporters ahead of Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Newcastle.
"He's spoken to three or four clubs, and he's given us the opportunity to pitch our case. We're probably a little bit behind the black ball, but you never know what happens."
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Why are Everton looking to sign Delap?
Everton appear to be on the lookout for a viable candidate to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Calvert-Lewin's contract will run out on June 30, and there is currently no agreement in place for him to extend his stay at Goodison Park.
Chermiti is also expected to depart in the summer transfer window, which would leave Beto as Moyes's only senior forward option.
As the fourth-lowest scorers in the top-flight this season, Everton would certainly add quality to their frontline if they were able to secure Delap's services this summer.
While they may be trailing in the transfer race, the Toffees could attempt to persuade Delap with the guarantee of a regular starting spot.
