Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have entered the race to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, according to football journalist Ben Jacobs.
Jacobs reported on social media on 20 August that both clubs had joined the list of teams interested in the England striker. Everton are also interested in Delap, meaning Chelsea have several potential suitors for the player.
The situation centres on Chelsea’s valuation of Delap. Sources at the club said their asking price is £50m, although interested clubs believe an agreement could be reached for a fee closer to £40m.
There has been no indication that a transfer has been completed, but the reported interest from Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Everton gives Delap a number of possible destinations. Chelsea’s stated valuation and the figure clubs believe could secure a deal remain the key points in the negotiations.
Delap is therefore at the centre of a developing transfer story involving three Premier League clubs. Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have now joined Everton in showing interest, while Chelsea are understood to be seeking £50m for the striker.
The difference between Chelsea’s asking price and the figure interested clubs expect to pay is £10m. Sources at Chelsea have indicated the club’s preferred valuation, whereas clubs tracking Delap believe the transfer could be completed for £40m.
Jacobs’ update was published on 20 August and focused on the growing number of clubs involved in the pursuit of Delap. His report identified Leeds United and Nottingham Forest as the latest sides to join the chase, with Everton already interested.
For Chelsea, the reported level of interest could create competition between potential buyers. For the clubs monitoring the situation, the central issue will be whether the asking price can be reduced from £50m to the £40m level they believe would be enough to secure the striker.
The report does not state that any of the three clubs have made a formal bid, nor does it say that Chelsea have accepted an offer. It confirms only that Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have joined Everton in showing interest and that there is a difference between Chelsea’s valuation and the price clubs expect to pay.
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