Troy Deeney has poured cold water on Chelsea’s hopes of signing Liam Delap, backing the Ipswich Town striker to make a bigger impact at Manchester United.
The 22-year-old has netted 12 Premier League goals this season and could become available for £30 million this summer if Ipswich suffer relegation — a scenario that looks likely with Kieran McKenna’s side 12 points adrift of safety.
Chelsea, along with United and Arsenal, have been tracking the forward, but former Watford star Deeney believes Delap would thrive more at Old Trafford.
“Man United, it’s nailed on. If he went to Man United, he’d start every week. He’d instantly make them better,” Deeney told talkSPORT.
Despite Delap’s success, Deeney did offer a word of caution:
“My biggest concern is his temperament… that will change as he grows, but right now he can get caught up in the physical battles.”
Delap, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City for £20m, is staying grounded amid the speculation.
“I’m so happy here. I try to stay away from [media talk] and just focus on playing football,” he said last month.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who coached Delap at City’s academy level, praised the striker’s progress but distanced the Blues from transfer rumours.
“He’s already a very good player and can be a top one — but we’re happy with Nico Jackson,” said Maresca.
Chelsea face Ipswich at Stamford Bridge this Sunday, with Delap set to have another big-stage opportunity to impress.