Latest developments
- Chelsea are interested in Ipswich Town star Liam Delap.
- The Blues are in the market for a new forward.
- Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on signing Delap.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Question marks over source info
Chelsea are leading the race to sign Liam Delap as they look to strengthen their frontline in the winter transfer window. Tottenham Hotspur also see the Ipswich man as their key target.
This claim is being made by GIVEMESPORT (via Standard), who have not shared where their source information has come from.
Value (3.5/5): Ipswich are reluctant
Despite interest from a number of clubs, Ipswich have so far resisted the temptation to listen to offers for the 21-year-old striker, who has eight goals to his name in the Premier League.
He is valued at around £21million by Transfermarkt, but considering his ceiling and importance to Kieran McKenna's side, we expect the Tractor Boys to demand a lot higher fee. Further, it is suggested a summer exit is more likely at this stage.
Suitability (3.5/5): New attacking threat
Delap is an old-school number nine, who likes to use his immense build to bully centre-backs and impressive running power to regularly be in the right position to cause problems in the final third. Chelsea don't have a single player with this profile. As such, his signing could hand Enzo Maresca new ways to improve the Blues' attack.
Upgrade? (3/5): Better than Jackson
The report suggests Chelsea's search for a new attacker is motivated by Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson’s struggles. Should Delap move to Stamford Bridge, Jackson is going to be his direct competition.
The Englishman has already shown his movement is better than many experienced strikers and in the right environment, he could become an elite number nine.
Logic (2/5): Stay until summer
This is Delap's breakthrough season in England's top-flight thanks to McKenna's brilliant management, as he has shaped his attack to suit the young striker's traits. Even if the Tractor Boys do make an instant return to the second tier, it would be best for the ex-Man City man to continue accumulating more minutes at Ipswich before taking the next big step to further his career.
Whisper+ verdict: 14.5/25
It is no secret at this point that Chelsea are in the market for a new attacking threat. However, it is going to be very tricky to convince Ipswich to part ways with their young talisman in January. Since he looks to be their only key to survival, this saga isn't going too far, at least for now.
