Chelsea CONFIRM signing of Liam Delap after beating Man Utd to £30m transfer for Ipswich star

CHELSEA have confirmed the signing of Liam Delap after beating Manchester United to the £30million Ipswich striker.

Delap, 22, has joined the Blues on a six-year contract after his release clause was met following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.

The centre-forward emerged as Enzo Maresca’s preferred attacking target after netting 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys.

Their time together at Manchester City also played a pivotal role in Delap’s decision to snub fellow suitors United.

The forward is set to make his Chelsea debut at the Club World Cup.

In a statement on the Blues’ website, Delap said: “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.

“It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”

Delap will battle Nicolas Jackson for a spot up front, with the England U21s star hoping to become Chelsea’s starting striker for the new Prem season.

The former Stoke, Preston and Hull loanee has also been reunited with his City youth team-mates Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia.

Their relationship down the spine of the team could bring Chelsea success.

Delap will be eager to help the Blues seal more silverware after Maresca’s men won last week’s Conference League final against Real Betis.

The City youth teamer had initially looked destined for a move to their rivals United.

The Red Devils are keen on attacking reinforcements, having already shelled out £62.5m on Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.

But the prospect of linking up with some familiar faces – plus the pull of Champions League football – swung the decision in Chelsea’s favour.

Delap praised Ipswich for giving him regular top-flight football and said he was ‘confident’ they would be back in the Premier League soon.

The Blues are expected to continue their major squad rebuild with more incomings and outgoings this summer.

They have already welcomed Kendry Paez, Estevao Willian and Dario Essugo to Stamford Bridge.

A new winger and centre-back are also on Maresca’s wishlist.

Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi are in the mix.

Delap’s signing could be bad news for the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix and even Noni Madueke.

Misfits including Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell will also be moved on.

With £1.2billion already spent under Todd Boehly, Chelsea fans will be hoping to finally challenge for the title next season.