Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin believes the Blues will sell Liam Delap this summer – and has named Everton as the ideal destination for the struggling striker.
One goal in 22 games: Chelsea ready to cut losses on Liam Delap as Everton circle
Chelsea paid £30million to sign Delap from Ipswich Town last summer, with the 23-year-old rejecting interest from Manchester United to move to Stamford Bridge.
However, his debut season in west London has turned into a nightmare.
Injuries and the impressive form of fellow summer arrival Joao Pedro have limited Delap to just 22 league appearances. Worse still, he has scored only one goal during that time.
Even the arrival of Liam Rosenior – the manager under whom Delap thrived at Hull City – has failed to revive his fortunes.
Nicolas Jackson will return from an unsuccessful loan spell at Bayern Munich next season, creating even more competition for minutes.
Chelsea have also reportedly launched an audacious bid for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.
Nevin told talkSPORTBET Casino that Delap needs a fresh start.
“I really like him as a player,” he said.
“He runs, stretches teams and creates space for creative midfielders.”
The former Chelsea winger compared Delap’s situation to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who left Chelsea and flourished under David Moyes at Everton.
“Delap reminds me of Conor Gallagher and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall,” Nevin added.
“Great players, but not in the right place.”
Nevin believes Goodison Park would suit the England striker perfectly.
“Everton need a centre-forward. Liam strikes me as the right fit for someone like Everton.”
He concluded: “I don’t think it would hurt Chelsea, I don’t think it would hurt Everton, and I don’t think it would hurt Delap if he moved to Everton and then flourished.”
