Jacob Raw

Sat 21 March 2026 9:40, UK

Everton have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Liam Delap, with Chelsea now reportedly willing to let the striker leave.

The Toffees have been credited with a long-standing interest in Delap, who has struggled for game time since making the switch to Stamford Bridge last summer.

David Moyes is said to be a fan of the number nine, as he may now be let go despite joining the Blues for £30million less than 12 months ago.

According to talkSPORT on Friday, the former Ipswich Town star is now valued at £40m, with Chelsea open to offers for him this summer.

Moyes tried to sign a striker in the winter transfer window, but the Friedkin Group and Co. may reassess their options in a few months, with Delap firmly among their shortlist.

Everton have plenty of proof that Liam Delap is top-class striker

Everton may face competition from the likes of Newcastle and other Premier League clubs for Delap, but they may have an advantage, given that the forward will know how keen Moyes is for his signature.

It’s been a poor season for the 23-year-old, but his playing time has been rather stop-start due to injuries and the brilliance of fellow team-mate, Joao Pedro.

Despite his poor campaign in the league so far, Delap offers qualities that have still been seen in matches, with evidence still there from his time at Ipswich last season.

The centre-forward is a physical presence, but can offer Everton something their current strikers don’t, and that’s quality on the ball.

As seen in his stats from the last campaign under Kieran McKenna, the 23-year-old earned his move to Chelsea through top-class performances, something Moyes would most likely get out of him.

Everton want to get a deal for Delap done, and £40m could be a steal in the grand scheme of things.

What does this mean for Thierno Barry and Beto?

There has been lots of talk surrounding Thierno Barry and Beto for Everton this season, with the pair both performing and underperforming at times.

Barry was just involved in off-field drama when his friends were allegedly attacked in the Everton away end at Arsenal last weekend, and it remains to be seen whether he can keep a good relationship with the Blues.

Regardless, the Frenchman was and still is a project signing, meaning he will likely stay at Hill Dickinson Stadium for some time to come.

However, unless Beto dramatically turns his performances around, this could be the summer where he finally waves goodbye to Merseyside.

Everton won’t be able to have all of Delap, Barry, and Beto on their books, and Moyes will have a call to make.