Everton told price tag required for Liam Delap transfer as trio chase Chelsea striker

Everton have been quoted a price tag for Liam Delap by Chelsea as the Blues are among a clutch of Premier League clubs monitoring the striker

Everton are being told they would need to make Liam Delap the most expensive striker in their history to prise him away from Chelsea.

The Blues are one of a trio of Premier League clubs leading the chase for the 23-year-old, along with Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Having had Jean-Philippe Mateta at previous club Crystal Palace and brought in Jorgen Strand Larsen for a club record £48million on February 2, new Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner likes to have a focal point to his attack and has instructed City Ground chiefs to pursue a deal with owner Evangelos Marinakis prepared to back his fifth ‘permanent’ head coach in less than a year in the transfer market.

Newcastle United though are in a period of flux with Eddie Howe having ended his five-year reign in charge on Thursday and their preferred successor, 38-year-old German Matthias Jaissle of Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia is still not in place.

As reported by the i paper, Leeds United are also monitoring the situation as they seek competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but a potential swoop would be ambitious at this stage with funds tight at Elland Road as they attempt to seal a record-breaking £40million purchase for goalkeeper James Trafford.

The ECHO understands that Chelsea are in no mood to discard Delap lightly after just one season and are demanding a similar £40million fee, which would represent a £10million profit, to any suitor who wants to take him permanently from Stamford Bridge despite the Winchester-born player netting just once in 28 Premier League games last season and twice in 41 matches in all competitions.

OPINION

If Everton were to pay that, it would make Delap the most costly centre-forward they have ever purchased. Almost nine years on from his arrival, midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson remains the Blues’ record signing at £45million, followed by initial outlays of £35million for both Richarlison and Tyler Dibling.

Delap netted a dozen Premier League goals for Ipswich Town in 2024/25 but after they went straight back down to the Championship, his £30million relegation release clause enabled him to talk to interested parties.

Everton were one of those chasing his signature at the time, hoping the prospect of being the leading star going into a new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium could add weight to their bid.

Blues boss Moyes took what was an unusual step for him of publicly declaring his interest and following their talks he said: “We’ve had a chance to speak to him, yes. He spoke to three or four clubs.

“He’s given us our opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but hopefully, you never know what happens.”

Ultimately, Delap chose to go to Chelsea, who could offer Champions League football while also providing him with the chance to play under Enzo Maresca, who had previously been his coach at Manchester City.

However, the Italian departed on New Year’s Day and the west London club, after hiring and then fired Liam Rosenior less than four months into a six-and-a-half-year contract, have now appointed Xabi Alonso.

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