Chelsea make major decision on the future of attacker Liam Delap | OneFootball

Chelsea are prepared to listen to offers for Liam Delap as Xabi Alonso begins reducing an overcrowded group of centre-forwards. The striker only arrived from Ipswich Town for £30 million, but his route to regular football has narrowed following further changes to the attack.

João Pedro remains a leading option, Nicolas Jackson has returned from his loan spell and Emmanuel Emegha has joined from Strasbourg.

Chelsea do not urgently need to sell, meaning they can demand a profit rather than simply recovering their original investment.

A move could nevertheless benefit Delap if another Premier League club offers the consistent starting role he currently lacks.

Chelsea ready to approve Delap sale

According to The Athletic, Delap is among the Chelsea players most likely to leave.

The Blues want more than the £30 million they paid Ipswich and could seek a fee closer to £40 million.

Chelsea’s position reflects how their transfer window has developed. Alonso has inherited several senior strikers, while the club have continued adding experience and immediate quality to a squad that will not play European football.

Keeping too many forwards would make it difficult to offer everyone meaningful minutes.

Everton and Newcastle have both been linked. Everton need a stronger central striker to support their attacking rebuild, while Newcastle are searching for more firepower during a wider squad refresh.

Interest from two Premier League clubs could help Chelsea create competition and protect their  asking price.

Everton are interested in signing the English striker

Sky Sports reports that Everton explored a loan after previously trying to sign Delap before his Chelsea move.

However, a temporary deal would not necessarily suit Chelsea unless it included a substantial fee or obligation to buy.

Delap would give Everton physicality, pressing and a penalty-box presence, but Newcastle could offer a more ambitious sporting project.

Their involvement may force Everton to consider a permanent bid rather than waiting for Chelsea to soften their position.

Selling after one difficult season would appear ruthless, but it could still be sensible.

Chelsea already have enough attacking depth, while Delap needs regular football to continue developing.

If the club receive around £40 million, they would make a useful profit and remove another selection problem.