Why Everton may yet have ideal Liam Delap transfer workaround with Chelsea

Everton may yet have some renewed hope of landing Liam Delap from Chelsea, but only on one condition.

Delap is a long-term target for David Moyes at Hill Dickinson Stadium after struggling in his only season with Chelsea.

The 23-year-old played 47 times for Chelsea in all competitions last term, including at the Club World Cup, but scored just three times.

Delap is not part of new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso's plans, meaning a sale is on the cards already.

While Everton are not willing to match Chelsea's current valuation, there may be a workaround that works nicely.

That is amid a new update that has now been shared by Vinny O'Connor.

Everton gamble could pay off in Liam Delap pursuit

Chelsea want to make a profit on the £30million they paid for Delap from Ipswich Town 12 months ago.

Despite the former England Under-21s international's drop off in form, the Blues still value him highly.

However, should no suitors come forward with an adequate bid - which certainly seems like being the case - then a loan exit may be possible.

Writing for Sky Sports' live transfer blog on Monday afternoon, O'Connor said: "If you’re talking upwards of £40m-£50m for him, his numbers from last season don’t really stack up.

"At the moment’s he’s out of [Everton's] price range. If he hasn’t got a move by the end of the transfer window and Chelsea are willing to let him go out on loan, that may open the door for Everton.

"Certainly, Everton’s interest is in there but currently there’s no deal to be done because they aren’t winning to pay the money Chelsea are after."

Everton would be playing a dangerous game if they wait to potentially snap up Delap on loan, given Moyes will be eager to get at least one new attacker in before then.

Why Everton would be best fit for Delap

Moyes wants to sign Delap and you would imagine the striker would fancy plying his trade under the Scotsman.

Had Delap got his time again, he surely would have opted for the Toffees over Chelsea last summer.

Moyes has the ability to get the best out of players who have underperformed elsewhere.

Delap would also have the full backing of the Everton fanbase, who continue to crave a prolific goalscorer.

Beto and Thierno Barry have their strengths, but the 2024-25 version of Delap up top for the Toffees would be a serious upgrade.

If that can be done via a late loan deal, Everton would have pulled off quite the coup.