NafisaLeeds United’s search for another striker has taken several twists this summer, but one name simply refuses to disappear from the conversation.
Daniel Farke is still eager to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer window closes after relying heavily on Dominic Calvert-Lewin for goals last season. While the Whites have been linked with several centre-forwards in recent weeks, one Premier League talent continues to attract serious attention behind the scenes.
However, any hopes of landing him have now become much clearer after Chelsea reportedly reached a firm stance on his future.
According to the i Paper, the Blues are prepared to sanction the sale of Liam Delap, but only if their valuation is met.
Chelsea are understood to want between £35 million and £40 million before allowing the 23-year-old to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
That decision comes after a frustrating campaign for the England striker.
Chelsea beat several rivals, including Manchester United, to sign Delap from Ipswich Town in a £30 million deal last summer, with huge expectations surrounding one of England’s brightest young forwards.
But things failed to go according to plan.
A season disrupted by injuries and suspension restricted Delap’s impact, with the striker managing just two goals in 41 appearances while spending much of the campaign playing second fiddle to fellow arrival João Pedro.
Chelsea’s attacking department has since become even more crowded.
Emmanuel Emegha has arrived from Strasbourg, experienced forward Danny Welbeck is expected to complete his move from Brighton, while Nicolas Jackson has returned after an unsuccessful loan spell at Bayern Munich.
With competition increasing, Chelsea are now reportedly willing to listen to offers that meet their asking price.
Leeds are among the clubs monitoring the situation alongside Everton and Nottingham Forest.
Both Leeds and Forest are believed to view Delap as a player capable of providing genuine competition for their current first-choice strikers, while Everton boss David Moyes has long admired the former Ipswich forward.
For Leeds, though, the biggest obstacle remains the transfer fee.
Reports have previously suggested the Whites are reluctant to spend as much as £40 million on Delap, meaning negotiations would likely depend on Chelsea softening their demands or agreeing to a more favourable payment structure.
Not everyone believes Chelsea should cash in, however.
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy feels new head coach Xabi Alonso should give Delap another opportunity before making a final decision.
He told Metro:
«”I think any manager coming in has to give players a chance so I think he’ll want to look at them and see what they’ve got.»
«”The other thing is that there might not be other clubs who want to take them with the wages they are on or pay the fee for them.»
«”That is just the dynamic of football politics and transfers, you can easily say ‘they haven’t done very well let’s move them on’, but where to, and for how much?»
«”I think Alejandro Garnacho has struggled, and the fans haven’t taken to him. A lot of Chelsea’s wide players have struggled to be honest, if you look at their front line, it’s only really Joao Pedro who has done well.»
«”If one was going to leave, I think it would more likely be Garnacho than Liam Delap.»
«”Delap is a young lad, and he brings some characteristics that Chelsea don’t have. He’s different to Joao Pedro so I think Xabi Alonso will give him a crack.”»
For now, Chelsea’s position appears clear.
The Blues are open to selling Delap this summer—but only if Leeds or another interested club are prepared to meet their £35-40 million valuation as they continue reshaping their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Nafisa
