Overview

• Delap is poised to finalise his transfer after undergoing a medical following the triggering of his £30 million release clause at Ipswich Town.
• He turned down interest from Manchester United, Newcastle United and Everton in favour of regular first-team football and elite European competition at Chelsea.
• Chelsea make Delap their first major signing of the summer as they prepare for Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup campaigns.
• The club plans to ask Delap to prioritise the Club World Cup over England’s Under-21 European Championship, setting up a potential club versus country clash.
• Chelsea are already scouting a second-striker target, with Hugo Ekitike among the prospects being monitored to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options.