Chelsea set to sign Delap after triggering £30m release clause

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap after activating the £30 million release clause in his contract.

The 22-year-old, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City last summer in a deal worth up to £20 million, scored 12 goals in 32 Premier League starts this season.

Ipswich were relegated after finishing 19th, which opened the door for Delap to leave.

Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest all showed strong interest, while Manchester City still hold a buy-back option.

However, Delap is understood to favour a move to Stamford Bridge, where talks over personal terms are ongoing.

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna confirmed that Delap had been given permission to explore his options, saying the club supports his decision.

Chelsea, fresh off their UEFA Conference League triumph and newly qualified for the Champions League, could offer Delap a return to European competition, having made one appearance in the Champions League for City in 2022.

As a potential replacement, Ipswich are eyeing a loan move for Chelsea forward Marc Guiu.

The Spanish teenager scored six goals in 14 appearances this season but has only just returned from a long-term muscle injury, featuring briefly in the Conference League final.