Chelsea agree £30m deal for Ipswich’s Liam Delap

Chelsea look set to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap after triggering the £30m release clause in his contract.

Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were among the clubs to have shown a serious interest in Delap, who was made available for £30m when Ipswich were relegated, while Manchester City also hold a buy-back option.

The 22-year-old joined Ipswich from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £20m last summer and was this month given permission to speak to interested clubs.

“Liam’s looking at his options for next year, which I think he is entitled to do and we support him with that,” said Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, ahead of his side’s final Premier League game.

It is understood Stamford Bridge is Delap’s first-choice destination but negotiations over personal terms continue.

Chelsea, who lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy on Wednesday night, last week qualified for the Champions League, providing Delap with the chance to add to his solitary appearance in the competition with Manchester City in 2022.