Liam Delap Set for Shock Ipswich Return if Town Win Promotion Race

Liam Delap will leave Chelsea this summer for Ipswich Town if his former club book a quick-fire return to the Premier League, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

Delap moved to Stamford Bridge last summer but has failed to deliver the form or goals he previously showed for the Portman Road side.

As exclusively reported by SportsBoom, former boss Liam Rosenior was keen to keep Delap at the club.

And with Chelsea looking to bring in a new manager in the next couple of months, expected to be old boy Cesc Fabregas, the 23-year-old striker will likely be deemed surplus to requirements, according to sources close to the club. 

Delap, who made his career breakthrough at Manchester City and enjoyed loans at Stoke City and Hull City, has scored only twice for the Londoners this term; one in the Champions League against Barcelona and one in the Premier League at Fulham.

It is scant reward for the £30million Chelsea paid Ipswich for his services. And despite a lack of return on their investment, they will look for a similar amount if they sell him back to Ipswich.

Delap contributed 12 goals for Town last term, including one in a 2-0 win over Chelsea.

Stamford Bridge Struggle

Kieran McKenna’s Championship outfit lead the promotion race heading into Saturday's final day after coming from behind to earn a point in a 2-2 draw at Southampton on Tuesday night. 

Ironically, given their pursuit of Delap, Ipswich’s goal difference is worth an extra point towards their ambition of returning to the top flight after just one season away.

And should they go up, they’re determined to improve on a second bottom finish where they finished 16 points from safety.

If Ipswich fail in their quest Delap has other options if Chelsea decide to cut their losses. Leeds United and Everton are keen on the former England Under-21 marksman.

Premier League new boys Coventry could fancy a punt on the son of one-time long throw merchant, Rory Delap, whose youngest sibling Finn plays for League One Burton Albion.