Chelsea put striker Liam Delap up for sale 14 months after £30m transfer
Chelsea have made striker Liam Delap available for transfer just 14 months after his £30m arrival at Stamford Bridge following a difficult season.
The 23-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements after scoring just one Premier League goal during the previous campaign.
The former Ipswich Town forward currently commands a £50m asking price, which has reportedly limited interest from potential suitors.
However, the west London club have shown a willingness to negotiate late transfer window deals, having recently sanctioned loans for defenders Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi.
Struggles and injury setbacks
The English forward endured a troubled debut campaign as the Blues finished a disappointing 10th in the top flight.
He was forced to adapt to three different managers while battling frustrating hamstring and shoulder injuries.
These physical setbacks severely hampered his combative style of play and contributed to a significant loss of confidence.
Those close to the player indicate his priority is simply to secure regular first-team football next season.
Training ground demotion
The attacker’s situation worsened this week when he was stripped of the prestigious number nine shirt.
That squad number has now been handed to Joao Pedro, who excelled last season after arriving from Brighton.
Consequently, the £30m signing has been moved into a separate training group of around 12 players at the Cobham base.
New manager Xabi Alonso implemented this fluid system to manage a bloated squad of roughly 40 players ahead of their opening fixture against Fulham.
Chelsea’s attacking reshuffle
Despite previously hoping to stay and prove his worth, the exiled striker faces intense competition for a starting berth.
Alonso is expected to rely on Pedro alongside new attacking recruits Emmanuel Emegha and Danny Welbeck.
Nottingham Forest continue to monitor the situation, though Leeds United have reportedly cooled their initial interest.
It remains to be seen whether the club hierarchy will reduce their financial demands to facilitate a permanent departure or sanction a temporary loan move.