Everton are increasingly interested in Chelsea striker Liam Delap as the club prepares for an ambitious summer rebuild.
Everton are stepping up their interest in Chelsea striker Liam Delap as the club prepares for what could become one of its most ambitious summer transfer windows in recent years.
The Merseyside club have been closely monitoring Delap’s situation at Stamford Bridge, with growing uncertainty surrounding the 23-year-old’s long-term future at Chelsea. Everton have admired the striker for some time and were among the clubs interested before he joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town last summer.
🚨🚨 | 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Everton are INTERESTED in signing Liam Delap from Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea are looking to sell the striker and will look to recover the £30 million they paid for him. 👀
[@footyinsider247] pic.twitter.com/fcoPwWL2Jx
— MatchdayHQ | World Cup (@TheMatchdayHQ) April 29, 2026
Despite a difficult first season in west London, Everton still believe Delap possesses the qualities needed to become a central figure in their evolving project. Club officials feel his profile, physicality and long-term potential align perfectly with the direction they want to take under their rebuilding plans.
However, Everton are unlikely to have a clear run at the striker. Newcastle United and Leeds United are both understood to be monitoring Delap closely and are expected to explore the possibility of a summer move should Chelsea decide to make him available.
🚨🏴 | 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Leeds United are CONSIDERING a move for Chelsea striker Liam Delap this summer.
[@TEAMtalk] pic.twitter.com/fIKlqAwCBI
— MatchdayHQ | World Cup (@TheMatchdayHQ) May 14, 2026
Sources close to the situation suggest there is a genuine possibility Delap could leave Stamford Bridge amid wider structural and sporting changes taking place at Chelsea. The Blues remain in the market for a new manager, with Xabi Alonso still among the leading names being considered for the role.
Chelsea are also expected to prioritise the signing of a proven elite centre-forward this summer as part of a broader squad overhaul. The club want to add greater experience and quality to the attack in an attempt to restore themselves as consistent challengers at the top level of European football.
Delap has struggled to establish himself consistently this season, scoring just one Premier League goal across 26 appearances, although only 11 of those outings came as a starter. Those numbers represent a sharp decline from the form he showed at Ipswich Town, where he netted 12 league goals and emerged as one of England’s most highly-rated young forwards.
Even so, Chelsea still retain faith in the striker’s long-term development. Everton, meanwhile, believe a move away from the intense pressure of Stamford Bridge and into a system where he would carry greater responsibility could help reignite his career and confidence.
Delap is just one of several names Everton are exploring as they prepare for a major recruitment drive.
The club have also been linked with a move to bring former defender John Stones back to Goodison Park, while FC Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio is another player admired by the Toffees as they look to inject more creativity and quality into the squad ahead of next season.
