Interest in Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is already beginning to build following his outstanding start to the Premier League season with the ex-Manchester City prodigy being monitored by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, respectively.
Juventus are looking at Ipswich striker Liam Delap as a possible replacement for Dusan Vlahovic.
The Old Lady is still determined to bind their Serbian frontman down to a new, better deal. His current contract expires in the summer of 2026, but negotiations for an extension have yet to yield results.
However, Juve is preparing backup plans in case a deal cannot be made, and the Italian giants are big fans of ex-Manchester City junior starlet Delap. So much so that they dispatched scouts to Portman Road last weekend to see the 21-year-old in action against Manchester United.
If Vlahovic fails to agree on a new deal by the end of the season, he may be sold next summer to prevent losing the former Fiorentina striker on a free transfer.
Chelsea and United are also keeping an eye on Delap’s progress, while City has a buy-back clause and negotiated a 20% sell-on fee when they transferred the attacker to Ipswich for £20 million in July.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca and co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields both know Delap from their time at City. Earlier this week, Tractor Boys manager Kieran McKenna shot down speculation over the forward’s future, notably City’s buy-back clause.
“It’s not something I’m aware of or interested in, to be honest. I believe that is a question for others including [chairman] Mark Ashton. My entire emphasis is on this season, and I’m working hard to help Liam improve even further. I know Liam is completely focused on helping the team.
“He’s had a good start to the season, but keep in mind that it’s still early in his career. This is his first season starting regularly at number nine. He played off the side a lot last year at Hull and as a wide striker in previous Championship loan situations.
“So this is his first season doing it consistently, maybe twice a week, and he’s doing it in the Premier League. It is encouraging that he is doing well, but it is still early days. His, my, and our objective is to continue to strive for improvement.
