Everton’s David Moyes Keen to Rival Premier League Giants for Ipswich Star
The summer transfer window is only just beginning to heat up, but one name already dominating discussions among Premier League scouts, managers, and fans alike is Liam Delap. The 22-year-old Ipswich Town striker looks certain to be on the move in the coming weeks following his club’s relegation, and a £30 million release clause has opened the floodgates for a potential transfer scramble.
Chelsea and Manchester United have made their interest known — and now Everton boss David Moyes has added his voice to the growing list of suitors. But while the Toffees might not boast the Champions League nights or financial firepower of their larger rivals, Moyes isn’t backing down.
“He would be one we’d certainly have an interest in,” the Scotsman said candidly ahead of Everton’s clash with Ipswich. “I think what he probably has to look at will probably be bigger than what we are. But we would certainly be interested if he was interested in us. That’s for sure.”
Delap’s Stock on the Rise Despite Ipswich Drop
You don’t often hear about players commanding £30m price tags after a relegation campaign, but Liam Delap isn’t your average striker. Still only 22, the England youth international has built a growing reputation as one of the most dynamic forwards outside of the top six. A blend of physicality, intelligent movement, and a poacher’s instinct in front of goal — Liam Delap has emerged from a tough season at Ipswich with his stock higher than ever.
His 14-goal haul in the Premier League this season didn’t go unnoticed, especially when you consider how hard Ipswich found it to stay afloat. Liam Delap wasn’t just scoring — he was fighting, creating space, tracking back, and often leading the line on his own. His performances didn’t just keep Ipswich competitive; they caught the eye of some of the league’s biggest clubs.
Chelsea & Man Utd Monitoring Closely
Chelsea’s interest in Liam Delap isn’t exactly new. The Blues have reportedly tracked him since his youth days at Manchester City, and there’s a belief at Stamford Bridge that Liam Delap could be the ideal long-term fit for a striker role that has seen constant rotation in recent years. Despite heavy investment in attacking talent, Chelsea have struggled to find a consistent No. 9 — and Liam Delap, with Premier League experience and a relatively modest fee, represents a smart, low-risk option with massive upside.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are facing their own questions up front. Rasmus Højlund remains a developing talent, but Erik ten Hag’s side are understood to be on the lookout for another centre-forward to reduce the burden and provide tactical flexibility. United scouts are said to have watched Liam Delap multiple times this season, and he is reportedly high on their shortlist.
Everton Hope for a Transfer Surprise
David Moyes knows his side are punching up in this particular race. But the veteran manager has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Everton, who themselves have flirted with the relegation zone far too often in recent years, are desperate to reshape their squad with hungry, high-upside talent — and Liam Delap fits the profile perfectly.
Moyes was honest in his assessment, acknowledging the competition: “He’ll have bigger options, I’m sure of that. But sometimes players want to be at a club where they’ll play every week, where they’re trusted to grow. That’s the type of project we can offer.”
That message might resonate with Liam Delap, especially if he’s wary of being just another squad option at a top club. With a European Championship looming next year and England’s forward line looking far from settled, regular minutes at this stage of his career could be more important than simply chasing trophies.
The Manchester City Clause: A Complicating Factor?
Lurking in the background of any Liam Delap transfer is his former club, Manchester City. The striker came through the academy at the Etihad and signed a professional deal that included a buy-back clause — reported to be around £40m. Technically, City could swoop back in, but for now, the fee is higher than the £30m release clause currently available to all other clubs.
That difference in valuation has made things more complex. Should Chelsea, United, or another side trigger Liam Delap’s clause, City will still receive 20% of the transfer fee. So, while they may not directly re-sign him, they’ll certainly profit — and may well be monitoring the situation for potential resale value or a future bidding war.
Newcastle United Also Enter the Picture
And just when it seemed like a three-horse race, Newcastle United have reportedly entered the fray. The Magpies are no strangers to ambitious moves under their current ownership, and they are said to be exploring a partnership between Liam Delap and Alexander Isak — a combination that would blend strength, pace, and creativity.
While Newcastle might have their own Financial Fair Play limitations to navigate, their sporting project remains one of the most attractive in the Premier League right now. A potential front line of Isak and Liam Delap is one that would excite fans and frighten defences.
What Does Liam Delap Want?
At the end of the day, the decision rests with Liam Delap. He has the rare luxury of choice: multiple Premier League clubs chasing him, a release clause that simplifies the negotiation process, and a growing reputation that gives him leverage. But what kind of club is he looking for?
Sources close to the player suggest that regular first-team football and European competition will play a major role in his thinking. He’s ambitious — no question — but he’s also conscious of the risks that come with jumping into a stacked squad at a massive club. The right fit matters.
One agent familiar with the situation put it plainly: “He knows he’s hot property right now. But he also knows how quickly it can go wrong if you sit on the bench for 18 months.”
Final Thoughts: A Transfer Saga in the Making
It wouldn’t be a Premier League summer without a good old-fashioned transfer tug-of-war, and Liam Delap’s future could very well be this window’s headline drama. Chelsea and Manchester United are circling. Everton are fighting from the outside. Newcastle are calculating. And Manchester City are watching, quietly.
One thing’s for sure: Liam Delap is going places. Whether that’s to the glamour of Stamford Bridge, the rebuilding project at Old Trafford, the stability of Everton, or the ambition of Newcastle, remains to be seen. But wherever he lands, he’s likely to make a serious impact.
This isn’t just another young English striker making a move — this could be the start of something big.
