Chelsea demand £50m for striker Liam Delap amid Premier League interest

Chelsea have placed a £50m valuation on striker Liam Delap as they look to trim their squad following a difficult debut season at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are prepared to offload the 23-year-old just a year after activating his £30m release clause to bring him from Ipswich Town.

Nottingham Forest and Everton are among the Premier League clubs closely monitoring the availability of the English forward.

Delap endured a highly frustrating campaign in west London, registering a mere two goals across all competitions as his side missed out on European qualification and lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City.

Alonso plans Stamford Bridge overhaul

The former Ipswich prospect has subsequently failed to impress manager Xabi Alonso during recent pre-season fixtures.

Consequently, the attacker joins a growing list of senior players deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are also actively exploring potential loan or permanent departures for fellow forwards Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.

Defensive departures expected

Beyond the attacking department, Chelsea are currently negotiating the exits of established centre-backs Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi.

Portuguese giants Benfica are reportedly showing significant interest in securing the services of defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Decisions remain pending regarding the immediate futures of promising defensive prospects Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino.

While Sarr has been heavily linked with a domestic loan move, Anselmino may now be forced to stay put after suffering a suspected hamstring injury during the final match of the club’s pre-season tour.