Chelsea Leads Manchester United for Liam Delap
Chelsea has beaten Manchester United in the race to sign Liam Delap, according to sources close to the situation. The deal, valued at £30 million (approximately $40.5 million), is close to being finalized for the Ipswich Town striker, winner of the Conference League.
Delap, 22, also sparked interest from Newcastle United and Everton. However, the possibility of playing alongside his former Manchester City teammate, Cole Palmer, at Stamford Bridge and in the Champions League next season, tipped the scales in favor of Chelsea, despite United’s long-term interest.
Delap’s final decision was expected after United’s clash in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, due to the implications of winning or losing for Ruben Amorim’s team.
United’s defeat to Ange Postecoglou’s team means that Amorim and his players will not participate in any European competition next season. This, according to sources, influenced Delap’s decision to join Chelsea.
Chelsea is currently in the final stages of negotiations with Delap, who is available for £30 million thanks to a clause in his contract with Ipswich in case of Premier League relegation.
Delap scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League matches for Kieran McKenna’s team. The striker has given the green light to Chelsea to close the deal in time for him to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States later this month.
