Everton open Liam Delap talks after submitting contract offer to Chelsea striker

Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Liam Delap after reportedly offering the Chelsea striker a contract as they look to strengthen David Moyes' attacking options this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Toffees are working through intermediaries to agree personal terms with the 23-year-old before deciding whether to formalise a move with Chelsea.

The Blues are expected to sanction Delap's permanent departure after a disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge, with several Premier League clubs monitoring his situation.

Everton have moved quickly in an attempt to secure an agreement with Delap before rival clubs increase their interest.

The striker arrived at Chelsea from Ipswich Town in a £30 million deal last summer but endured a frustrating campaign, scoring just once in the Premier League while also struggling with injuries during the first half of the season.

Despite that disappointing return, Delap remains highly regarded following the impressive form he showed during Ipswich's previous Premier League campaign, when he scored 12 league goals despite the club suffering relegation.

Everton believe there is still significant potential to unlock under Moyes.

Although Delap's goals dried up at Chelsea, his underlying statistics suggest he continued to find promising attacking positions.

According to FotMob, the England Under-21 international averaged an expected goals (xG) figure of 0.36 per Premier League match during the 2025/26 season.

He also averaged:

Those numbers indicate Delap continued to create opportunities despite his lack of goals, something Everton's coaching staff may view as a positive sign ahead of a potential transfer.

However, there is naturally an element of risk. One productive season at Ipswich was followed by a difficult campaign at Chelsea, making consistency the biggest question surrounding any potential deal.

Delap is not the only attacking player on Everton's radar.

Reports have also linked the Merseyside club with a move for West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen, who is assessing his options following the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League.

Everton are expected to strengthen several areas of Moyes' squad before the new season as they prepare for life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton will continue discussions with Delap's representatives as they attempt to reach an agreement on personal terms before progressing negotiations with Chelsea.

With multiple Premier League clubs interested in the striker, the Toffees will hope to move quickly if they are to secure one of their priority attacking targets ahead of the new campaign.

Would Liam Delap rediscover his Ipswich form under David Moyes, or should Everton target a more established Premier League striker this summer?