Reece James ‘delighted’ Chelsea have signed Liam Delap | OneFootball

Reece James says he is “very happy” that Chelsea have signed striker Liam Delap.

Delap’s £30m move to Chelsea from Ipswich was confirmed this week, and he will link up with his new side for the Club World Cup this summer.

And James says he is excited by the addition of the young striker.

“He’s had a great season at Ipswich and I’m very happy he’s going to be joining us for next season,” James said.

“He’s a great player and I’m delighted he’s with us.”

Delap scored 12 goals for the Tractor Boys last season despite his former side being relegated from the Premier League.

He also worked with Blues boss Enzo Maresca when the Italian coached the Manchester City Elite Development Squad.

Delap was scheduled to go with the England Under-21s to the European Championship this summer but has opted to join his new club in the USA instead.

Speaking earlier this week after signing for Chelsea, Delap said: “Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years.

“I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that. The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.”

Delap’s new team-mate James is again part of the England squad for the games against Andorra and Senegal, and having worked his way back into the Three Lions squad following his injury problems, says he is happy to be winning caps for his country again.

“For sure, I’m moving in the right direction,” he said. “I finished off the season strong and I feel like I’m in a good place.

“It’s something I’m used to – playing and competing with world-class players.

“They (Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker) are two phenomenal players in my position so of course it’s going to be tough but we all have different capabilities and strengths, so it’s whichever the manager wants to decide to play.”