Everton to step up Delap interest as ambitious transfer plans gather pace

[p][a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/52fOi1bWD8hiuLvYHySQut?si=OQOZkJNqTDm768psCY2low"][b]Listen to the audio version of this article here![/b][/a][/p][p]Uncertainty has been growing over the striker’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/everton/KluSTr9s/"]Everton[/a] have retained a long-standing admiration for the 23-year-old.[/p][p]They believe he fits the profile of the side they are trying to build and were among [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/delap-liam/6cfkytBh/"]Delap[/a]’s suitors before he chose to join [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chelsea/4fGZN2oK/"]Chelsea[/a] from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/ipswich/thqhB2MB/"]Ipswich Town[/a] last summer.[/p][p]They continue to view him as a player capable of becoming a key part of their project, but would face competition to sign him.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/newcastle-utd/p6ahwuwJ/"]Newcastle United[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/leeds/tUxUbLR2/"]Leeds United[/a] are believed to be very keen on exploring a move for the player, too. [/p][p][b]Sources have confirmed to [i]Flashscore [/i]there is a possibility the striker is likely to be allowed to leave, with broader changes expected at Stamford Bridge.[/b][/p][p]Chelsea are currently searching for a new manager [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-premier-league-chelsea-hoping-to-bring-in-xabi-alonso-to-lead-new-era-at-stamford-bridge/hp0tduUI/"]and remain interested in Xabi Alonso[/a], while recruitment plans are also shifting. One of their transfer priorities is to bring in a proven, elite centre-forward.[/p][p]The club are keen to add more top-level experience and established quality to the squad as part of a wider refresh, and the arrival of a marquee striker would significantly increase their chances of regaining the status they once held in the European game.[/p][embed guid="e2b84b5b-d966-495c-9842-e5e8aee26b3b" url="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1930356354088137187" social-type="twitter" /][p]Delap has found opportunities difficult to convert into momentum this season, scoring just one Premier League goal from 26 appearances, although only 11 of those came from the start.[/p][p]Those numbers are a stark contrast to the campaign that earned him his move to Chelsea. Delap scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich and emerged as one of the most highly-rated young forwards outside England’s elite clubs.[/p][p][b]Despite his struggles, Delap still has admirers within Chelsea and there remains belief in his long-term potential. Everton, though, are of the view that a different environment and greater responsibility could help him rediscover the form that made him one of the league’s most coveted young attackers.[/b][/p][p]The timing may also suit Everton’s wider ambitions.[/p][p]The club are eager to make a big statement this summer and are actively exploring several additions. [i]Flashscore [/i]has previously reported that Everton are also putting together a proposal to bring former defender [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/stones-john/SlLxn4xl/"]John Stones[/a] [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-premier-league-john-stones-left-torn-between-everton-return-and-a-move-to-european-elite/h2NcezB4/"]back to the club[/a], highlighting the scale of their ambitions ahead of a significant recruitment drive.[/p][p]Alongside Delap, Everton are also being linked with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/midtjylland/8GZDmdbB/"]FC Midtjylland[/a] winger [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/osorio-dario/bX9wQWSA/"]Dario Osorio[/a].[/p][p]The 22-year-old Chile international is admired by several English clubs and fits Everton’s desire to add greater creativity in attacking areas.[/p][p]Delap, however, may become one of the most intriguing names to watch this summer.[/p][image alt="Dean Jones" id="0f685dd0-10a2-43d8-9966-361f00f7203c" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="fcbc4e09-e617-4801-abd4-c9cac1461007" original-width="1200" original-height="380" /]