Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap, Sky Sports News understands.
Delap has a £30m release clause in his Ipswich contract following their relegation and has chosen Chelsea despite interest from a long list of clubs.
Chelsea will be busy this summer and are looking to strengthen their squad before flying to the United States for their opening game in the Club World Cup in Atlanta on June 16.
He fits the profile of striker Chelsea are looking for and the overall cost of the deal - including wages - is another major consideration.
Chelsea's recruitment strategy is to sign young, developing players on long, incentivised contracts.
Delap is 22, has Premier League experience and worked with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca and recruitment co-director Joe Shields at Manchester City.
More to follow shortly...
Analysis: Why investing in Delap looks a smart move
Sky Sports' Peter Smith:
"Liam Delap could be the bargain buy of the summer.
"The striker has hit double figures for goals in his first full crack at the Premier League and that is even more impressive considering the struggles his relegated Ipswich have had at this level.
"He has been the driving force to their attack, scoring from all angles and distances while also hauling the team up the pitch with his runs with and without the ball. It's this range of skills which makes him stand out.
"A frontman with the ability to hold up the ball while also rank among the top 25 Premier League players for take-ons is a rare thing. His overperformance of his expected goals total demonstrates his finishing ability. Delap is ready for the next step.
"Where that will be and how Delap would fit into a different system is intriguing. But it is no wonder there is big interest in the 22-year-old England youth international.
"His £30m release clause fee is way below the quoted price tag for some strikers on the continent linked with a move to the Premier League who would be something more of a risk. Investing in Delap appears to be a smart move."
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Single-Bone
2
Very smart move! This boy is soo good on and off the ball..And for 30M? what a steal this is! All these Chelsea fans especially the ones from Afric@ are not really good with analysis..All they know is to shout goaaal! This is the type of striker that excels in Chelsea.And he fits the squad age and career wise.
Yudbceiyz
0
he's not the # 9 need! they are better strikers out there
Busabnoty
0
this will couse me not to support this club, because the board members ready done know who is a real streaker,Delap is a championship league player,he done have the experience to play for a big club like Chelsea or any other big club
GaddafiJamal
0
We don't need him at Chelsea. Don't buy him Stupid Maresca.
You’re The Stup*d One Here, Jon 🤧🤮
jehbdintyz
0
EPL experience counts
jehbdintyz
0
come young man to the home of trophies
yakbcimnru
1
this guy will shine
puwacdempr
0
Cole palmer was no body before coming to Chelsea now he is our star boy now so stop saying average player and inexperience thing
We can't wait for that now bro no time anymore .. Chelsea need a striker that can give us 30 or more goals per season and not 10 to 15 goals strikers. We don't need him at Chelsea.
puwacdempr
0
We don't need him at Chelsea. Don't buy him Stupid Maresca.
Ronimoprsz
1
just come and seat on Chelsea bench
BREEZE_WEST
0
What madness is this .. we don’t want delay never there are so many top strikers available now .. no more excuses
nuyaelptuz
0
Sign him and another striker
Coyblopt
2
Get a proven striker,not Delap. Osimhen is there: proven and lethal, energetic and fearless
Ponabcesuy
0
We need a sharp winger with fast build up play
[image]
Oh Osimhen as the Nine, I did a mistake and I’m suggesting the least wing position because sanche is so lazy
Ponabcesuy
3
We need a sharp winger with fast build up play
westloord
0
sell Jackson an bring another striker to support Lean Deleap
We not selling anybody he can stay for backup
beeaempyz
1
Arsenal sleeping and fans weeping
Moubeiklmr
4
Cole palmer was no body before coming to Chelsea now he is our star boy now so stop saying average player and inexperience thing
yazbceimpt
2
maresca is your coach whether you like it or not
yasbeiknop
1
sell maresca first before we buy a new players. please give us Isak. and sesko
yasbeiknop
1
we don't need this coach please
vekemrstyz
2
sell Jackson an bring another striker to support Lean Deleap
Papacikoru
1
everytime fans will talk of prize, what is our business with prize are we the one paying? our own is for them to get good player that will bring good result and we celebrate that is all
hubabdlt
0
Signing him shouldn't stop us from getting another better striker
gyorkers
Yanabdeprz
1
why average striker again, we have Jackson & going for another Jackson, is crazy
wukblmn
1
Signing him shouldn't stop us from getting another better striker
wilbard10
1
this boy is not good enough
Wuhadeiktz
0
nahhhhhhhhh
Fatbcemru
2
smart deal...let's sign him fast no time
bibdekmnt
4
Hnmmm just another average player pls What’s wrong with Chelsea board???
wenbimnpt
3
Add Oshimen or the sporting striker too..we need three
Faslmprt
1
osimi should have been the best option. But smart business very cheap.
tenbcdemt
2
chelsea till death💕💕💕