Exclusive: Chelsea Believe 'Exceptional' Star Wants to Join Them Over Man Utd

The spotlight has been on Manchester United when it comes to Liam Delap transfer focus — but Chelsea are very much still pursuing the same situation, GIVEMESPORT sources have been told.

The Blues are quietly positioning themselves to move early for the Ipswich Town striker, we understand, with Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys heading towards relegation back to the Championship.

United’s interest in Delap is genuine but they also have other names in the frame and that could give Chelsea a small window to show their own intent.

Sources: Chelsea Eyeing Early Move for Delap

Maresca wants to pair Delap and Palmer

GIVEMESPORT have previously reported how Enzo Maresca is on board with the idea of signing Delap, with a club vision of linking him up again with Cole Palmer, his former Man City teammate.

It fits the club’s long-term identity and they see him as young, hungry, and ready to elevate himself in the Premier League. And there is a belief that he is interested in the potential of moving to Stamford Bridge. But this is not just a two-horse race, either.

We understand West Ham have begun to consider how they could become part of the offers available to Delap and recruitment sources have a belief that Manchester City may yet even come into the picture.

Delap came through their academy and while they have not been publicly pushing for his return, the buyback clause still exists. Sources tell GMS not to rule them out just yet - even though it seems unlikely.

He could offer a more like-for-like alternative to Erling Haaland and there is growing belief around Etihad Stadium that the club will build out a more detailed attacking force next season to make sure they are not left short of goals again. Still, it is neighbours Man Utd who are being most heavily linked.

That is no surprise given the interest has been there for a while. But it is somewhat surprising to hear him being talked about as the top target for the position.

Sources: Man Utd Still Eyeing Osimhen

Club still unsure of summer options

It is important to remember that Victor Osimhen remains a marquee option as well in this moment - but insiders say the sense is that United are happy for the Delap noise to grow while Osimhen talk cools off. In part, it is to keep a lid on transfer expectations at a time when United do not know how ambitious they can be in the summer window.

Osimhen would cost more than Delap but getting him from Napoli would be a much more complicated deal to pull off that also relies on outgoings and Champions League football.

There is some further clarity needed within Old Trafford’s corridors of power over whether Delap’s rawness and potential is going to propel United towards success quickly enough - or whether the pedigree of Osimhen is needed a more sure-thing when it comes to providing a ruthless touch United need.

They may need to decide quickly because Delap’s name is causing a stir and Chelsea don’t plan to sit still.

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All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 11/04/2025.

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