Liam Delap has emerged as Chelsea's primary transfer target following revelations about a £30 million release clause in his Ipswich Town contract. The 22-year-old striker, who joined the Tractor Boys for £15 million last summer, can leave for the set fee if Ipswich suffer relegation from the Premier League.
The news has sparked a Premier League scramble for his signature, with Chelsea reportedly leading the race for a player who may be worth double that figure based on his performances this season.
"He has evolved his game and is incredibly receptive and very football smart," Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna said of his star forward.
Delap has been a revelation at Portman Road, scoring 12 goals from an expected goals (xG) of 9.02 in a struggling side. His importance to the team is highlighted by his contribution in their limited success - he's found the net in three of Ipswich's four league victories this campaign.
The former Manchester City youngster brings more than just goals. His physicality - described as "a fridge-freezer of a chest" on a 1.85m frame that's "almost all legs" - makes him a nightmare for defenders. Just ask Virgil van Dijk, who was sent tumbling alongside Delap in their opening day clash with Liverpool.
Statistically, he's ticking every box for a modern striker. Per 90 minutes, he averages 2.31 shots, 1.4 successful dribbles, 3.68 touches in the opposition box, and 1.75 fouls won - impressive numbers for a team that's spent most of the season defending.
Delap's aggressive playing style has its drawbacks - no forward in the league has received more yellow cards this season. But this controlled aggression is part of what makes him special, drawing comparisons to Wayne Rooney's combative approach.
Internationally, the striker has represented England at every youth level up to Under-21s and recently trained with the senior squad alongside Harry Kane - a player he's been tipped to eventually replace.
Before joining Ipswich, his talent was already evident during a loan spell at Hull City, where manager Liam Rosenior called him "a special, special talent."
While Ipswich fans understand the likelihood of losing their talisman, they've embraced his contribution during his time at the club. His first goal against Fulham secured their first Premier League point in 22 years, and his all-action style has made him a firm fan favorite.
The question now isn't if Delap will leave for a bigger club, but when - and whether £30 million represents fair value for a player whose ceiling appears remarkably high. For Chelsea, it could be the bargain of the summer.
