adminEverton have reportedly moved to the front of the queue for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with discussions already underway over a possible summer transfer.
The Toffees have been active in the transfer market as David Moyes looks to build a stronger squad. Merlin Röhl, Hayden Hackney, Christian Nørgaard, Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George have all joined the club, with several of those additions aimed at improving the midfield.
Moyes could now shift his attention towards strengthening his attacking options, and Delap is believed to be a player of interest.
The England international made a strong impression during his time at Ipswich Town, with journalist Jacob Schneider previously describing his performances as “sensational.”
Delap scored 12 Premier League goals during Ipswich’s campaign, making an impressive impact in his first season in the top flight. His tally was three more than Beto managed for Everton, while Thierno Barry ended the campaign with eight league goals.
However, Delap struggled to reproduce that form following his move to Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old scored just once last season, raising questions about his future at Chelsea and opening the door for a possible departure this summer.
Nottingham Forest are also reportedly interested in the striker, but Everton currently appear to have the advantage.
Everton Leading the Delap Chase
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have already opened discussions regarding a potential deal for Delap.
Manchester United and Newcastle United have reportedly also been contacted about the striker, although Everton are currently understood to be ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race.
Any move for Delap could, however, depend on Everton first creating space in their squad by moving on one of their existing forwards.
Beto Could Be a Departure Option
Beto could be one of the players Everton consider selling this summer.
The striker scored nine Premier League goals last season, despite regularly being used as a substitute, and accumulated 1,565 minutes of league football.
Nevertheless, his overall record at Everton has been less convincing. Beto has scored 25 goals in 111 appearances for the club, meaning the Toffees could be open to offers if they decide a new striker is needed.
Thierno Barry’s Future Also in Question
Thierno Barry is another potential candidate to leave, particularly given his age and potential. The French striker is still only 23 and could attract interest from clubs looking for a younger attacking option.
His statistics last season, however, were not as strong as Beto’s. Barry averaged 0.38 goals per 90 minutes in the Premier League, compared with 0.52 for the Guinea-Bissau international.
With neither striker having firmly established himself as Everton’s long-term answer in attack, Moyes could see the addition of another forward as an important priority before the September 1 transfer deadline.
The Toffees are also expected to continue working on defensive reinforcements. A new right-back remains on their wishlist, with Arsenal’s Ben White reportedly among the players being considered.
Crystal Palace defender Daniel Muñoz is another option on Everton’s radar, with Palace potentially willing to sanction a deal for the Colombian for around £25 million.
That could give Moyes another opportunity to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes, with both attacking and defensive reinforcements appearing to remain firmly on Everton’s agenda.
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