Liam Delap is closing in on a move to Chelsea, and I've got something to say about it, mate.
Delap gives the green light to Chelsea move
Delap has given the nod to a switch to Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea are confident he'll sign on the dotted line. The England Under-21 striker, who has a £30million release clause in his Ipswich contract, has also held talks with Manchester United, Newcastle, and Everton. But it looks like he's chosen the Blues, and I can't say I blame him, mate.
Champions League football the deciding factor
Delap was believed to be leaning towards a move to United, but Chelsea have the trump card of being able to offer Champions League football. The Blues secured it with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League campaign as they finished fourth. United, on the other hand, missed out on next season's Champions League and European football altogether after losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final. What a bunch of muppets!
Reunion with Enzo Maresca on the cards
If the move goes through, Delap will be reunited with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. The Italian previously worked with Delap at Manchester City, where the latter spent five years after signing aged 16. He'll also compete with incumbent striker Nicolas Jackson for the starting berth. I reckon Delap will give him a run for his money, mate.
Delap set for England Under-21 duty
Delap is preparing to join up with the England under-21 squad following the end of the Premier League season. He's been named in Lee Carsley's squad for a pre-tournament training camp at St. George's Park. The Young Lions boss will then name his final squad for the Euros in Slovakia on June 6 ahead of their opening match against the Czech Republic six days later. I hope he does well, mate, and shows everyone what he's made of.
Impressive debut Premier League campaign
Delap is fresh from scoring 12 goals in 37 league appearances for the Tractor Boys. His tally comes despite Ipswich suffering an immediate relegation back to the Championship after finishing 19th. Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer, and Jarrod Bowen were the only English players to score more Premier League goals than Delap this term. Not too shabby, eh?
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna reveals Delap's permission to speak to other clubs
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna previously revealed before his side's final match of the season that Delap had permission to speak to other clubs. He said, "Liam's looking at his options for next year, which I think he is entitled to do and we support him with that. It looks more likely than not that he will move on this summer and he has interest from pretty much every club in the league, and I don't think there are many clubs in the world who wouldn't want to have him." I couldn't agree more, mate. Delap is a top talent, and I can't wait to see him in action for Chelsea next season.
