Chelsea striker Liam Delap is being allowed to leave the club just 14 months after moving to Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old was making his Premier League debut for the club at this stage last year after joining from Ipswich Town when his £30m release clause was triggered. Chelsea secured his signature amid competition from Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton but, after scoring just once in the league in the previous campaign, he has been deemed surplus to requirements.
Sources close to any potential move said interest has been limited, not because clubs doubt Delap's ability and potential, but because his £50m asking price is viewed as too high following a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have, however, shown a willingness to negotiate later in the transfer window. Defenders Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi are both leaving on loan despite the club initially attempting to sell them permanently.
It remains to be seen whether the club will reduce their demands for Delap, but they are expected to have three other strikers in their squad next season - Joao Pedro and new signings Emmanuel Emegha and Danny Welbeck. Interest has been shown from Nottingham Forest and Leeds, although Daniel Farke's side have since cooled theirs. Those close to Delap have previously said he hoped to stay at Chelsea and prove himself.
He is understood to accept his form last season fell below expectations, although there were mitigating factors. As the club endured a troubled campaign where they finished 10th in the table, Delap played under three different managers and suffered hamstring and shoulder injuries that affected his physical style of play and contributed to a loss of confidence. His priority is to gain regular first-team football, whether on loan or in a permanent departure, although it remains unclear where he could end up.
As reported on Wednesday, Delap lost his number nine shirt to Joao Pedro, who largely excelled at his expense last season after joining from Brighton in the same transfer window. It followed the Englishman's move to a group of around 12 players who train separately, albeit alongside new manager Xabi Alonso's first-team squad, at their Cobham base. For Alonso, the decision is understandable given the difficulties of working with a squad of around 40 players while preparing for his first competitive match at Fulham in the Premier League on Monday.
However, it was a blow to those players who knew their futures were uncertain, but had previously remained involved with the main training group. The new arrangement, though, is designed to keep those players close to the first-team squad. Chelsea insist the system is fluid, pointing to new signings Jordan Henderson and Welbeck building fitness in the second group despite both being part of Alonso's plans.
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