Sources: Everton lead Liam Delap race as permanent Chelsea transfer expected

Everton are in pole position to seal Liam Delap's signature on a permanent transfer this summer, Football Insider understands.

Despite an extremely difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge, multiple Premier League clubs have joined the race to sign the Chelsea striker.

Sources can reveal that the Toffees are currently favourites to get a deal over the line ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, although there is widespread interest from top-flight ricals.

Chelsea triggered the £30million release clause in his Ipswich Town contract last summer, having notched 12 goals and two assists in 40 games in 2024-25.

His move to Stamford Bridge has not lived up to expectations, with the Blues now looking to cash in just 12 months on from his arrival.

David Moyes' side had been interested in the 23-year-old during his time with the Tractor Boys, and the manager is reigniting a move this summer as he looks to bring in a new senior centre-forward.

After signing the striker for £30m, it is believed that Chelsea are open to offers at around £40m, hoping to make a profit despite his struggles.

In 2025-26, Delap notched just two goals and three assists in 41 games, being totally outshone in the final third by Joao Pedro's 20 goals.

Newcastle United and Leeds United have also been mentioned in the race this summer, so Moyes' side are likely to face competition once again.

Xabi Alonso's arrival in West London could change the course of his future, but the likelihood is that the former Real Madrid star hasn't been impressed from afar either.

Alonso is expected to declutter the current Chelsea squad, and that could open the door for multiple Premier League clubs to do business.

Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi are expected to join Marc Cucurella through the exit doors, though neither defender has yet been linked with the Toffees.

Instead, the most likely player to make a permanent switch to Merseyside is young winger, Tyrique George, who spent the 2025-26 season on loan at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The 20-year-old forward doesn't appear to have a future in West London, and all eyes are on whether the Toffees can strike a deal this summer.