Harry Redknapp has backed Chelsea to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal to a deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
Delap has enjoyed a promising first season in the English top-flight, scoring 12 league goals this season.
The 22-year-old contributions are even more impressive given he has been playing for a relegated team that have won just four games all season.
Delap, the son of former Premier League defender Rory, can be signed for £30m this summer due to a release clause in his contract at Portman Road.
That reasonable fee has led to interest from Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal, who are all keen to sign new strikers this summer.
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Recent reports claim Delap is keen on a move to Old Trafford despite United’s dismal league form but Redknapp ‘can see’ the former Manchester City player joining Chelsea.
‘I’ve heard that Chelsea are quite hot on Liam Delap – I could see him going to Stamford Bridge this summer,’ Redknapp told BetVictor.
‘I also wonder if Arsenal would take a chance on him too because they’re also looking for a striker – he could definitely be worth a gamble.
‘I would say Delap is an upgrade on Nicolas Jackson if Chelsea were to move for him. Jackson has shown flashes this season but hasn’t been at his best since coming back from injury.
‘Signing Delap would at least give Chelsea that option of switching it round if things aren’t going well for them in games.’
As Redknapp said, Jackson’s struggles at Stamford Bridge has led Chelsea to target a new striker in the summer.
Senegal international Jackson scored 17 goals during his first season at Chelsea but has struggled with form and fitness this term.
The 23-year-old had a moment to forget in Chelsea’s damaging defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday as he was sent off for serious foul play.
While Chelsea are interested in bringing Delap to west London, they will likely face competition from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim is keen to bring a new goalscorer to Old Trafford and Delap is a cheaper alternative to Sporting Lisbon talisman Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have placed Delap on a shortlist of striker targets along with the aforementioned Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.
Ryan Giggs wants Liam Delap at Man Utd
While weighing up a bid for Delap, Manchester United are also working on a deal to sign Brazilian playmaker Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
Asked whether he endorses United’s moves for Cunha and Delap, Old Trafford great Ryan Giggs said on the Webby & O’Neill show: ‘It would be an improvement, most definitely.
‘They both have Premier League experience which is a massive plus. The domestic form has been nowhere good enough so they are proven already to do it, to score goals.
‘When you’re in that dressing room preseason and better players come in, it not only gives the fans a lift but it gives the players lift.
‘So if you see those players (Delap and Cunha) come in you are going to get excited because it’s an improvement and they are good players.’
The 2025 summer transfer window opens on Monday 16 June and closes on Monday 1 September.
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