“Is work is to score goals” “He can challenge Jackson” – Enzo Maresca wants Chelsea to sign 21-years-old striker in January
Despite playing for struggling Ipswich, Liam Delap is one of the rising stars of this Premier League season without doubt.
Built like a classic Premier League number 9, and with some of the most “Barclaysman” heritage you could imagine, he’s more than capable of leading the line on his own. But after coming through the Man City academy he’s also a very modern player with amazing touch for a big man and great feet and link up ability.
In his time in the City academy he crossed over with Enzo Maresca and some other players and staff members now working at Cobham. Maresca was asked about the striker in his preview of the Ipswich game on Monday night, and had only positive things to say about his former charge:
“Liam is a fantastic player. Also for his age, we spent one year together. I think in that season, he scored 22 or 24 goals. This is a very good striker – as I’ve said many times, England are quite lucky because they have very good players, very good strikers,” the Chelsea manager said. He also noted a few of the specific highlights of Delap’s game that he likes:
“Working hard off the ball, on the ball he understands the game and he can score goals. Because of his age, I think he can be an important player for England.”
However, Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as a potential signing, according to The Athletic.
The 21-year-old forward has caught the attention of the Blues as they continue to scout for attacking reinforcements.
“Among the list of five to 10 forward players Chelsea are observing and/or sent scouts to watch their matches, Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap has emerged as a new target in recent months,” reports The Athletic.
Despite Chelsea’s interest, Ipswich Town are expected to resist any mid-season approaches for their talented striker.
“However, Ipswich will be very reluctant to listen to any offers for the 21-year-old in mid-season because they need him in their battle to avoid relegation,” the report adds.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are unlikely to reignite their pursuit of Victor Osimhen in January after a failed loan attempt during the summer transfer window.
“Another attempt to acquire Victor Osimhen, a player they tried to get on loan at the end of the summer window, is not expected in January,” concludes the report.