Liam Delap valuation at £50m as Leeds explore loan and Forest emerge as frontrunners | OneFootball

Leeds United have been told it would cost £50m to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with the club monitoring the situation but not currently in a position to move. Leeds Live understands that they are unlikely to go near that valuation this summer, although a loan could be explored.

Interested clubs, including Everton and Nottingham Forest, are said to feel a deal could be done closer to £40m. Chelsea signed Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m last summer after triggering a relegation release clause.

Chelsea have set a £50m price and consider interest from Leeds and Everton to be historical. Forest are viewed as frontrunners. Como have also shown interest, but Delap is reportedly keen to remain in the Premier League this summer.

Newcastle United have previously been credited with an interest, and Ipswich have been tentatively linked with re-signing him. Hull City have not asked Chelsea about a deal, with owner Acun Ilicali saying, "We love him and I hope he loves us, but for this season, I didn't even ask Chelsea." He told the Daily Mail.

Head coach Daniel Farke would not be drawn on adding another striker, declining to discuss positions or profiles. He said he is happy with the work done so far but will push until the final day to secure the best possible squad.

Leeds have been linked with Ayase Ueda, Carlos Espi, Ermedin Demirovic and Nicolo Tresoldi. With Joel Piroe loaned to West Ham United, their centre-forward options are Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Mateo Joseph, although Joseph is out until next year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Source: Leeds Live

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”