Liam Delap's Future: Everton's Renewed Interest and Chelsea's Stance
Liam Delap just will not leave Everton’s radar.
His name has circled Goodison Park for years, and David Moyes has never really tried to hide it: he rates the striker highly. Everton pushed to sign Delap when Ipswich went down two seasons ago. That move never materialised, but the admiration never cooled.
Now the situation has flared up again.
Chelsea door creaks open
Delap is at Chelsea these days, and Xabi Alonso may be about to crack the door open for another exit before the window shuts. The striker’s future is once more in play, and Everton are back in the conversation.
The Chronicle reports in its print edition that Como’s interest is fading, with the forward keen to stay in the Premier League. That stance has put Everton on what’s described as “red alert” as the deadline creeps closer.
Chelsea, though, are not in the mood for charity. Stamford Bridge chiefs want a hefty profit, and any permanent deal is thought to be as high as £40 million.
For a player with just one Premier League goal to his name, that is a brutal figure in this market. It explains why both Everton and Newcastle are viewed as unlikely to go anywhere near a straight buy at that price.
Everton’s striker puzzle
Everton are preparing to start the new Premier League season with Thierno Barry and Beto as their main centre-forward options. There were flashes from both last season, but not enough when the pressure really cranked up.
The squad still looks short of a reliable, consistent goalscorer. That is where Delap keeps drifting back into view.
As the 1 September deadline looms, the dynamics of the market could shift. If Chelsea decide Delap has to go, a different type of deal comes into play. It is suggested Everton could move for a loan, potentially with an option or even an obligation to buy built into the agreement.
For the Toffees, that would be close to perfect: immediate reinforcement without committing £40 million up front.
Power up front, but is there variety?
There is a catch. Barry, Beto and Delap share similar profiles. All three are powerful, physical forwards who like to battle centre-backs rather than consistently dart in behind them.
Keeping Barry and Beto looks the most likely outcome for now. Interest has grown around them, but Everton have not exactly hung “for sale” signs on either striker. Bringing in Delap would add depth and competition, but not necessarily a different type of threat.
Even so, the links refuse to die. With the Premier League season just three days away and the window tightening around everyone, Delap’s name is back on the Everton agenda.
Whether that ends in a record outlay, a clever loan, or yet another near miss will say plenty about how bold Everton are prepared to be in this window.
