Everton Plot Liam Delap Rescue Mission After Chelsea Nightmare

Everton are weighing up a move to rescue Liam Delap from his Chelsea nightmare after the striker's difficult first season at Stamford Bridge, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Toffees are seriously considering an approach for the 23-year-old as David Moyes looks to strengthen his attacking options before the new Premier League campaign gets underway.

Delap only joined Chelsea in June 2025 on a six-year contract in a deal worth around £30 million after impressing at Ipswich Town. 

But his time in West London has failed to go to plan, with the powerful frontman managing just one Premier League goal in 28 appearances last season.

Chelsea's summer recruitment drive has left Delap's future hanging in the balance, with a host of new attacking arrivals pushing him further down the pecking order. 

Stamford Bridge insiders believe the Blues are now prepared to cut their losses if the right offer arrives. 

Everton are ready to take advantage.

PHYSICAL PRESENCE

Moyes has long admired Delap's physical presence, tireless work rate and ability to occupy defenders, and believes there is still a top-class Premier League striker waiting to emerge despite his disappointing campaign.

The former Manchester City youngster remains highly regarded across the game, with many believing his struggles at Chelsea were more a reflection of circumstances than a lack of ability.

Delap looked destined for the top after leaving City in search of regular first-team football. 

He gained valuable experience during loan spells at Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City before finally finding his feet at Ipswich, where his performances convinced Chelsea to splash out £30 million to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

The son of former Stoke City cult hero Rory Delap, famous for his thunderbolt long throws, Liam has also represented England throughout the youth ranks, including the Under-21 side, and remains one of the country's most highly rated young forwards.

Ipswich are also keeping tabs on their former striker, but Everton's greater financial power is expected to put them in a stronger position should a deal materialise.

FIREPOWER

Everton are keen to add more firepower after identifying the centre-forward position as a priority this summer, and Delap has emerged as one of the leading names on their shortlist.

While no formal bid has yet been submitted, discussions are expected to accelerate over the coming weeks as Chelsea reshape their squad.

A move to Merseyside could hand Delap the fresh start he desperately needs and give Everton a hungry striker determined to prove that one difficult season has not derailed a career that still promises so much.