Chelsea beat Manchester United to Liam Delap signing

Chelsea have reportedly won the transfer race for Liam Delap ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle United. 

According to The Athletic, the Blues have reached an agreement with Ipswich Town to sign the 22-year-old. 

They will meet the striker’s £30 million release clause in his contract at Ipswich that became active following the club’s relegation to the Championship. 

This is regarded as a coup for Chelsea given Delap attracted interest from United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton. 

Agreement over personal terms is not thought to be an issue, and the English centre-forward is set for a medical in the next couple of days before penning a long-term contract. 

Delap joined Ipswich from Manchester City last summer in a deal worth up to £20 million. He hit the ground running at Portman Road, scoring 12 goals and registering two assists in 37 Premier League appearances. 

Despite the Tractor Boys’ relegation from the English top-flight, the former City striker enjoyed an excellent campaign, averaging 1.8 shots, 9.34 expected goals and 1.8 ball recoveries per match. 

Delap will now be heading to Chelsea, who are set to compete in the Champions League next season after securing a fourth-place finish in the Premier League. 

The 22-year-old was United’s first-choice as centre-forward, so missing out on him is a significant blow for them. 

The Reds Devils have also been linked with Viktor Gyokeres but the Sweden international wants to join a club who can offer him Champions League football. 

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has also been discussed but the Nigerian’s huge wage demands suggests a deal is unlikely. 

United have reached full agreement over a transfer for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha. 

The Brazilian’s impending arrival has eased the pressure on the club, but signing a new striker also remains a top priority for them. 

Stats from Sofascore