Manchester City could block Chelsea’s bid for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap if they make a serious bid.
Delap has emerged as a new target for Chelsea in the 2025 summer transfer window after impressing in his first season with Ipswich Town, scoring six goals in 11 games for the newly promoted Premier League club.
The Express reports that Manchester City may not see Delap’s move to Chelsea happen and will block it by using a buy-back clause from Ipswich for £20m, a clause included in the sale to Portman Road last summer.
The paper explains: “Chelsea are ready to pursue Ipswich frontman Liam Delap – who has only just left Manchester City.
“The striker has been able to enjoy regular minutes having only previously receive sporadic opportunities at the Etihad. This term though at the Tractor Boys he’s hit six goals in 11 games despite the Premier League new boys largely struggling.
“Delap left Manchester in the summer – the champions have inserted a buy-back clause along with a sell-on in a deal worth around £20m. The 21-year-old’s route to the first-team was block by the likes of Erling Haaland, but he is now proving himself elsewhere.”
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca knows Delap well, having been Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and was involve with the 21-year-old on loan at Hull City last season while in charge of Leicester City in the Championship.
If Delap’s consistent form for Ipswich Register ufabet continues this season. Manchester City will be reluctant to see their youngster move to rivals Chelsea.