Chelsea lead Man Utd in the race for Liam Delap

Chelsea have edged ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, according to the Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old is a wanted man after a standout campaign where he bagged 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances and received a nomination for the Young Player of the Season award.

Dealp has attracted interest from several Premier League outfits like Arsenal, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Man Utd, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Last week, it looked like Man Utd were on course to sign Delap, but after Chelsea secured Champions League football, and Man Utd did not, the Englishman is swinging towards the Blues.

It remains unclear whether Chelsea can get a deal over the line, but their interest in the young striker is concrete.

Delap worked with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca at the Manchester City Academy, alongside current Chelsea stars like Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia. At £30 million, Delap is a steal for the Blues.

The Winchester-born forward is a battering ram who keeps defenders honest, fighting for every ball. Chelsea will be betting on his numbers improving when he gets to Stamford Bridge.

His arrival could spell the end for Chelsea centre-forward Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese international showed promising signs last season.

However, Jackson regressed badly after an exciting start this term. The fact that the Blues are targeting a striker with a similar profile could force him to look for another stomping ground.

Jackson is still a top prospect and can grow into an excellent striker, but his performances and disciplinary record have frustrated the Stamford Bridge faithful.

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Elsewhere, Chelsea are being linked with another striker who fits the same profile as Jackson – Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike. He is reportedly a target for the West Londoners.

It is unclear which striker the Blues will sign this summer, but they must get it right as their 2025/26 season hinges on them making the best decision.