Everton have reportedly moved ahead of several Premier League rivals in the race for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with Xabi Alonso's side planning a major overhaul of their attacking options this summer.
David Moyes's side is one of a trio of Premier League clubs leading the chase for the 23-year-old, along with Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.
Having had Jean-Philippe Mateta at previous club Crystal Palace and brought in Jorgen Strand Larsen for a club record £48million on February 2, new Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner likes to have a focal point to his attack and has instructed City Ground chiefs to pursue a deal with owner Evangelos Marinakis prepared to back his fifth ‘permanent’ head coach in less than a year in the transfer market.
Newcastle United though are in a period of flux with Eddie Howe having ended his five-year reign in charge on Thursday and their preferred successor, 38-year-old German Matthias Jaissle of Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia is still not in place.
Leeds United are also monitoring the situation as they seek competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but a potential swoop would be ambitious at this stage with funds tight at Elland Road as they attempt to seal a record-breaking £40million purchase for goalkeeper James Trafford.
After another year of Premier League experience and five appearances in the Champions League, Chelsea want to make a profit on Delap, meaning that potential suitors need to be willing to spend upwards of £30m on the striker.
According to reports, Chelsea are in no mood to discard Delap lightly after just one season and are demanding a £40million fee, which would represent a £10million profit, to any suitor who wants to take him permanently from Stamford Bridge.
Following a 12-goal term for Ipswich in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season, Delap caught the eye of Chelsea, who believed that the youngster could blossom into a top-class attacker.
On the evidence of the past 12 months, the Blues may have thought too much of the former Tractor Boy, as he managed just three goals across 48 matches in all competitions last campaign.
Only turning 23 in February, Delap has time on his side to fulfil his undoubted potential, and a move to a lower-end Premier League club could afford him the regular match minutes he needs to develop.
