Liam Delap has emerged as one of the hottest transfer targets for summer with reports revealing the Ipswich Town striker has a £30 million release clause that activates if the club gets relegated. Chelsea currently lead the race for a player who many believe is worth twice that figure.
"He is a special, special talent," former Hull boss Liam Rosenior said about Delap before his move to Ipswich, where his stock has only continued to rise.
The forward cost "Ipswich" £15 million last summer, making him the second-most expensive signing in the club's history. It didn't take long for fans to embrace their new hero - just three matches, in fact, when he netted against "Fulham" to secure the club's first Premier League point in 22 years.
The numbers tell quite a story. Delap has scored 12 goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 9.02 this season, while averaging 2.31 shots per game and 3.68 touches in the opposition box - impressive figures for a striker in a struggling side.
But stats don't capture why "Ipswich" supporters have fallen for the 22-year-old. His physical presence is something to behold - a 1.85m frame with a powerful chest that he's more than happy to slam into defenders. Even Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk found himself tumbling to the ground after an early-season encounter with Delap.
Interestingly, despite his physical style, Delap possesses remarkable technical ability. His goal against "Aston Villa" showcased this perfectly - muscling past two defenders before applying the slightest touch to guide the ball into the net.
Ipwich manager Kieran McKenna has praised Delap as "incredibly receptive and very football smart" while noting how the striker has "evolved his game" since arriving in Suffolk.
International recognition has followed too. Having won the Under-19 Euros with England, Delap has represented his country at every youth level up to U-21s and recently trained with the senior squad alongside Harry Kane - the man some believe he could eventually replace.
No forward in the Premier League has received more yellow cards than Delap this season, highlighting the edge to his game that makes him such a handful for defenders. His playing style has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, although some suggest Delap has the advantage when it comes to pace.
For "Ipswich" fans, there's a sense of resignation about potentially losing their star striker. The club received just £3 million when Aaron Cresswell left (who went on to make over 300 Premier League appearances), so £30 million would represent significant business.
Could Delap be the answer to Chelsea's long-standing striker issues? If the release clause is triggered, we might soon find out.
