Chelsea news: Liam Delap top summer target for Enzo Maresca as Ipswich Town face Championship return
Ipswich Town are staring down the barrel of relegation to the Championship, with the Tractor Boys 14 points away from safety.
Liam Delap’s relegation release clause is attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blues have relied on Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to lead their line this season, as well as a handful of appearances from Marc Guiu.
However, the Senegalese striker has only scored nine goals in the Premier League this season, while the former RB Leipzig attacker has only managed to find the back of the net three times.
With that in mind, the West London outfit are on the hunt for a new talisman to strengthen their squad next season.
Liam Delap top of Chelsea’s wish list
Top of the list is the Tractor Boys' top goalscorer Delap, whose 12 goals have given Kieran McKenna’s side a slim chance of surviving the drop.
The 22-year-old has a £30million release clause should Ipswich succumb to relegation this season, according to the Guardian.
Chelsea and Manchester United have taken notice, with both clubs set to battle it out for the Englishman’s signature this summer.
A young forward who is capable of leading the line and scoring plenty of goals, Delap fits the bill that Enzo Maresca’s side are looking for.
Should they miss out on the former Manchester City player, Chelsea will explore other options in Benjamin Šeško, Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David and Hugo Ekitike.
Plans to add defensive reinforcements
Striker is not the only position Chelsea are looking to strengthen, with the club keen to add another centre-back to their squad.
Top priority this summer will be AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who is wanted by several Premier League sides and elite European clubs such as Real Madrid.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed recently that Huijsen’s camp have held talks with a number of interested parties, with Chelsea amongst the favourites to sign the Spanish international.
With the Cherries, the Dutch-born defender has impressed after his move from Serie A side Juventus in July of last year.
Huijsen could partner Levi Colwill next season with Trevor Chalobah rumoured to be one of the players expected to make way for the Spaniard’s potential arrival.
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