Romano exclusive: Top target has “spoken to Chelsea” ahead of potential summer move | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano’s latest column for CaughtOffside has a very exciting piece of news for Chelsea fans.

The transfer insider claims that Liam Delap, the Ipswich striker who is in demand from a number of teams across Europe, is exploring his options about a move this summer, and as part of that has spoken to Chelsea personally as the Blues race their chief rival Manchester United to try and make his signing.

“My understanding is that Delap has spoken to Chelsea and to Manchester United, and now it’s time for him to explore all the options possible,” Romano wrote.

£30m is the magic number for in-demand Delap

Liam Delap celebrates a goal. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

The crucial number in this whole equation is £30m. That’s the release clause in Delap’s contract which has been activated now Ipswich’s relegation is confirmed. That makes him an amazing bargain for a young striker with tons of talent, and it’s no surprise that Chelsea and Man U are just the first on a long list of interested parties. At that price, half the Premier League would be interested in the Man City youth product.

Recent times have made it seem like United are ahead of us in the race for Delap, but things can change quickly in football, and securing Champions League football on Sunday could change the equation yet again.

Bundesliga teams also try to tempt Delap to make big move

As we’ve hard before, there’s also interest from the Bundesliga in Delap. But we’re not too worried about that. It might be more tempting for him were he to doubt the minutes he’d get at a top Premier League side. But it’s safe to say that he would be a regularly starter both for United and Chelsea, so unless Bayern come calling, staying in the Premier League looks a safe bet.