Chelsea give Delap dilemma as he at risk of be in middle of club vs country row

LIAM DELAP'S first major test at Chelsea won’t be on the pitch – it’ll be navigating a club versus country row.

Chelsea are closing in on the £30million striker having already agreed personal terms.

And they want him available for the Fifa Club World Cup this summer.

But that tournament clashes with England’s plans to include him in their squad for the Uefa Under-21 European Championship, which kicks off on June 12.

Delap scored 12 goals and provided two assists for relegated Ipswich last season and his performances look to have secured a move to the capital.

But he's about to get mixed up in some of the unwanted politics of the Beautiful Game.

Delap reportedly had offers from Manchester United, Everton, and Chelsea.

But journalist Ben Jacobs is reporting that that Thomas Tuchel convinced him a Champions League platform would boost his chances of making England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Chelsea, fresh off winning the Europa Conference League, have wasted no time splashing the cash on Delap.

United were believed to be front-runners to land the England Under-21 star.

But a disastrous end to their season – in contrast to Chelsea’s strong finish – is understood to have tipped the balance.

Delap was also coached by Enzo Maresca during his time at Manchester City’s academy, while Joe Shields – now at Chelsea – played a key role in bringing him from Derby to City back in 2019.

SunSport understands all these factors played a key role in convincing one of England’s brightest young talents to join Chelsea.

But, as with every top club, Delap will need to get used to being at the heart of club vs country tug-of-wars whenever international and domestic duties overlap.

Chelsea have had Nicolas Jackson leading the line over the last two seasons but he has failed to fully convince fans he is the man to take them forward.