Chelsea are interested in in-form Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, but they may be thwarted by Manchester City, according to Football Insider.
On Monday (25 November), Football Insider claimed in a new twist that City are monitoring Delap, 21, following his departure from the Etihad Stadium in the summer transfer window.
It is understood that a buy-back clause was included in the contract that brought the striker to Portman Road, giving the Premier League champions first refusal if Chelsea make an offer.
City also added a sell-on clause, which means they will gain from any future sale of Delap.
Delap’s worth has already skyrocketed after a solid start to the 2024-25 season with promoted Ipswich.
Sources believe City will “seriously consider” bringing him back to Manchester if his current form continues.
Delap has hit six Premier League goals and notched one assist in 12 top-flight appearances this term.
Man City could scupper Chelsea pursuit of Delap
City sent the 21-year-old out permanently after he struggled to score goals on Championship loans with Stoke, Preston, and Hull.
His contract with Ipswich runs until June 2029, but Kieran McKenna’s club is now in the relegation zone after 12 games.
Chelsea has prioritized the acquisition of young English talent in recent transfer windows, with Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke serving as success stories.
On Saturday (30 November), Delap and Ipswich face Nottingham Forest, who are now eighth.
