Chelsea's new signing Delap makes decision on U21 duty amid Club World Cup clash

Liam Delap will not be named in Lee Carsley's England squad on Friday for this month's Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia, as the striker is going to fly to the United States with Chelsea for the Club World Cup instead.

The two tournaments clash this summer, though FIFA's expanded club competition takes priority over the UEFA event where the Young Lions will be looking to defend their Euros crown after winning it under Carsley in 2023.

Mail Sport understands Chelsea have been speaking with the Football Association ever since it became clear they were winning the race for Delap's signature.

His £30million move from Ipswich was confirmed on Wednesday night and the 22-year-old will wear the No 9 shirt under Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea's first game in the Club World Cup will be on June 16 when they face Los Angeles FC in Atlanta.

The final will be held on July 13 in New Jersey.

It is believed Delap has the blessing of Carsley to go away with Chelsea, with the England boss understanding of his unique situation despite it being a blow to his own squad selection.

Carsley will name the 23 players he is taking to Slovakia on Friday.

Delap scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich as they were relegated to the Championship. Manchester United fought hard to sign him, while there was also interest from Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Everton and Newcastle, as well as clubs in Italy, Germany and Spain, as his £30m release clause was considered a bargain.

Chelsea secured him as they had made their interest clear in January and continued conversations with Ipswich ever since.

Delap previously played under Maresca in Manchester City's academy and that link was key to him choosing Stamford Bridge over everywhere else.