David Moyes tipped to strike Liam Delap summer agreement as fresh Everton speculation surfaces
Everton could make a move for Liam Delap once the summer window opens.
Everton were linked with Delap before he left Ipswich in the summer, after impressing last season despite the Suffolk club suffering relegation from the Premier League.
There is now an element of regret as Delap chose to join Chelsea instead of Everton, where he has struggled to perform.
The Toffees have maintained their hunt for a new striker with Romelu Lukaku mooted with an Everton return throughout the winter.
David Moyes and Co. could now turn their attention towards Delap, as a move may turn out to be possible in the summer.
Everton could wait on Liam Delap form before summer move
Delap has emerged as a target for Everton after the January window, with one eye on a summer deal with 13 games remaining in the Premier League.
The Toffees want a new number nine option, with it looking increasingly likely that Beto will leave Merseyside in the near future.
Delap could provide stern competition for Thierno Barry should he become available just a year into his spell at Stamford Bridge.
Former Everton scout Bryan King believes a big-money move could be scuppered if the Englishman thrives across the rest of the season under Liam Rosenior.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, King said: “He’s going to cost them a lot of money.
“I’d be surprised if they went for Delap for that reason.
“He’d certainly be a decent option, but the window is still a few months away.
“He could get thrown in at Chelsea and score a couple of goals, and all of a sudden, things change. They only paid £30m for him six months ago.
“Moyes is alternating the centre-forwards he has at the moment and is getting some good results, so he could still go for him as well.“
Everton must be patient in Delap transfer race
There has been little sign that Delap will suddenly catch fire at Stamford Bridge after scoring just one Premier League goal in 16 matches.
His only strike came against Fulham in January as he featured for 90 minutes for only the second time this season.
Only nine of his league outings have come as starts, so he wouldn’t be blamed if he assessed his future once the summer window opens.
The Englishman will have a decision to make in the summer, especially if Moyes is to come knocking.