Chelsea and Man United in race to sign Premier League striker

Chelsea return to the south coast on Friday when they face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League. 

The Blues were knocked out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage on Saturday evening, as the Seagulls came from behind to win 2-1 at The Amex.

Enzo Maresca’s side will now return to the south coast for an important Premier League match, as the West London outfit aim to qualify for the Champions League.

Chelsea currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League table and, with England likely to be awarded a fifth spot in next season’s Champions League, they are therefore on course to return to Europe’s premier club competition.

In the meantime, it appears that Chelsea’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements has lead them to a Premier League striker.

As per Football Insider, both Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap.

Delap has attracted interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea

The 22-year-old joined the Tractor Boys from Manchester City last year, having played just six times for the Citizens at senior level.

He is enjoying a fine season at Portman Road despite Ipswich’s struggles, with the striker having netted nine times in 23 Premier League matches.

While Delap only joined Town last season and is under contract until 2029, the report claims that both the Blues and the Red Devils are contemplating summer moves for the striker.

If they are relegated to the Championship, it is suggested that Ipswich will find it particularly hard to keep hold of Delap as and when offers for the player are made.

Delap has been a regular for England throughout the different age groups and has scored twice in ten appearances for the Under-21s.

His form this term has seen him tipped for a first senior Three Lions call-up, with some people suggesting that he could one day succeed captain Harry Kane as England’s starting striker.