Tottenham consider surprise transfer for Chelsea striker Liam Delap
Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a surprise summer transfer for Chelsea striker Liam Delap as they look to bolster their attacking options under Roberto de Zerbi.
The north London club have primarily focused on defensive reinforcements during this window, but securing a new centre-forward has recently emerged as a key priority.
Interest in the powerful English frontman is reportedly shared by Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Everton.
However, the former Ipswich Town loanee is currently determined to remain at Stamford Bridge to fight for his place.
Chelsea’s attacking hierarchy
Delap faces a significant challenge to secure a starting role under newly appointed Blues manager Xabi Alonso.
Joao Pedro is firmly established as the primary attacking choice in West London heading into the new campaign.
Fellow forward Nicolas Jackson is also returning from a loan spell at Bayern Munich and intends to use pre-season to impress the new coaching staff.
Speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, senior sports correspondent Ben Jacobs outlined the ongoing situation regarding the young attacker.
“Before we can clarify whether anything is going to develop there, Delap wants to stay and fight for his place, so he’s going to understand where he is in this pecking order.”
“Once all that falls into place, if Delap is available on the market, Newcastle, Everton and Tottenham are the three Premier League clubs I’m hearing.”
Spurs reshaping their squad
Securing a deal for the highly-rated prospect would represent a remarkably rare piece of direct business between the two fierce London rivals.
Space in the Tottenham frontline may soon become available if out-of-favour forwards leave the club in the coming weeks.
Brazilian international Richarlison is considered more likely to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer than his striking counterpart Dominic Solanke.
The squad has already lost depth following Randal Kolo Muani’s return to Paris St-Germain after his loan spell concluded.
Club chiefs remain active across the market, actively pursuing a permanent deal for Joao Palhinha and negotiating for winger Savinho.
