Chelsea are set to win the race to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who will reunite with his former Manchester City youth coach Enzo Maresca.
Despite efforts from Manchester United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton, the 22-year-old is preparing to link up with the Europa Conference League winners and is set for a medical in the next couple of days before signing a long-term contract.
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Ipswich over his £30million release clause, which they regard as excellent value for such a promising prospect. Talks are also ongoing over the possibility of forward Marc Guiu going to Portman Road on loan in a separate deal.
Ipswich paid £20m when they signed Delap from City last summer, and City will bank 30 per cent of the fee as per their sell-on clause. Maresca is believed to have spoken with Delap as Chelsea pitched their project after he was given permission by his club to speak with suitors. Personal terms are expected to be a formality.
The Blues are keen to get their business done early, with FIFA having introduced a June 1-10 transfer window before the Club World Cup.
That tournament clashes with the Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia this summer, but Chelsea would have the power to keep Delap with them if he is signed. Delap scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich as they were relegated to the Championship.
Liam Delap has intimated his preference is to join Chelsea in a £30million move this summer
Delap has previously worked with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca while at Man City
Man United had hoped to wrap up the signing of Delap, but uncertainty over their project is understood to have influence the forward’s decision
