Why Everton are now ones to watch for belated Liam Delap deal after surprise Chelsea transfer decision

Chelsea striker Liam Delap could be back on Everton's radar after David Moyes tried to sign him last summer.

The English forward was a priority target for the Blues, but Chelsea managed to steal a march in the race.

Life in London has not gone as expected for the striker, who was rarely used in a starting role at Stamford Bridge.

As Xabi Alonso looks to build his squad for the 2026-2027 season, there are sure to be plenty of changes, and ones that could affect Delap.

Chelsea have been busy in the market and they are now pushing to get another deal over the line.

And for Everton, it could finally allow the final domino to fall in order to swoop for the 23-year-old.

Liam Delap door opens as Chelsea make Danny Welbeck move

Chelsea have plenty of strikers among their ranks but they are still looking to add more.

As Kieran Gill earlier reported, Danny Welbeck has emerged as a target for the London club, in what would be quite a surprising transfer.

Talks are in the early stages, but it could have a significant shift on the future of Delap now.

That is according to talkSPORT journalist, Alex Crook, who has name-dropped Everton as a team that could now swoop for Delap if Welbeck secures a transfer to Stamford Bridge.

He stated live on air on Monday afternoon: "If [Welbeck to Chelsea] does happen, and it seems to be that it will, it would probably spell the end of Liam Delap's Chelsea career and there won't be a shortage of takers for him.

"I'd keep an eye on Everton, short-term club; they were quite interested before he went to Chelsea, and I know David Moyes is a big fan."

Everton's need for a striker could become a priority over the coming weeks as Goodison News has reported on Nottingham Forest's interest in signing Beto.

The Bissau-Guinean's potential exit would leave Moyes incredibly light up front.

Why Everton could now be perfect for Delap

Last summer Everton had their chance to pitch their project to Delap, and while that ultimately failed, a year on, a lot has changed.

Delap's struggles in London will have certainly put some potential suitors off, but one bad season does not take away from his qualities.

Moyes had previously made Everton's interest in Delap public last year.

He stated: "We would certainly be interested if he was interested in us. That’s for sure.”

Now, as Delap looks to put his career back on track, a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium makes plenty of sense for all parties.

And the chance for more game time on Merseyside should certainly interest Delap this summer.