Everton are weighing up a cut-price raid on Chelsea for misfiring striker Liam Delap, as manager David Moyes continues to reshape his attack ahead of a push for European qualification.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea have offered Delap around the market, and Everton are now considered the frontrunners for his signature. The 23-year-old joined the Blues from Ipswich Town last summer but managed just three goals and four assists in a difficult debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds United and Newcastle United have also been credited with interest, though neither club appears to be pushing hard given their current striker options. Manchester United, meanwhile, were offered the chance to sign Delap but turned it down.
Everton Could Be The Perfect Reset For Delap
Delapās Ā£24 million valuation on Transfermarkt looks like fair value for a forward who once terrorised the Championship with Ipswich. The step up to a title-chasing Premier League side simply hasnāt clicked yet, and a move to a mid-table club could be exactly whatās needed to rebuild his confidence.
His physical presence and clever movement in the box were the traits that made him one of the most sought-after young strikers in English football only twelve months ago. Regular football at Goodison Park could reignite that promise.
Verdict
Delap wonāt cost much, and for Everton thatās precisely the appeal. A player with Premier League pedigree and proven goal instincts, available on the cheap, is the kind of gamble that could pay off handsomely if Moyes gets the man-management right. But can Everton convince him that Merseyside ā not another big-six switch ā is the path back to his best?
