Chelsea make immediate Liam Delap transfer ‘demand’ after £30m agreement reached

Chelsea are reportedly set to demand that Liam Delap leaves the England U21s squad this summer if he completes a move to Stamford Bridge before June 14.

Delap has been at the centre of a fierce transfer saga these past few weeks when it became clear that the 22-year-old would be leaving Ipswich Town following their relegation. Manchester United and Newcastle United were both heavily linked with the centre-forward, but they were informed this week he wants a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have since activated his £30m release clause and now just personal negotiations stand between Delap and a transfer to Chelsea. For the ex-Manchester City academy star, a switch so early in the summer is ideal as he aimed to get his move done prior to the U21s European Championships.

However, The Telegraph are reporting that Chelsea are going to ask Delap not to compete for Lee Carsley’s squad this summer so that he can be with his new teammates in the USA for the Club World Cup. The striker is set to be a starter for England’s young Lions with their bid to defend their title beginning on June 12.

But it’s understood that the priority for players this summer is expected to be the Club World Cup which Chelsea shall compete in thanks to winning the 2021 Champions League. While personal terms for Delap have not yet been agreed, a medical is scheduled for Monday which is expected to be passed.

For Delap to be available for the Club World Cup, which starts for the Blues with a clash against Leon on June 16, Chelsea will have to request his release with the Football Association (FA). It’s expected that once that is lodged, the forward will be allowed to leave his national team and join up with his new teammates across the Atlantic.