Chelsea is close to the match of a deal to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap, Sky Sports News understands.
Delap has a release clause of £ 30 million in his Ippswich contract after their relegation and has chosen Chelsea, despite interest from a long list of clubs.
Chelsea will be busy this summer and wants to strengthen their team before they fly to the United States for their opening match in the Club World Cup in Atlanta on June 16.
It fits with the profile of Spits Chelsea and the total costs of the deal – including wages – are another important consideration.
Chelsea's recruitment strategy is the signing of young, the development of players on long, stimulated contracts.
Delap is 22, has Premier League experience and collaborated with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca and co-director Joe Shields in Manchester City.
More to follow soon …
Analysis: Why investing in Delap looks a smart move
Sky Sports' Peter Smith:
“Liam Delap could be the bargain of the summer.
“The striker has achieved double digits for goals in his first full crack in the Premier League and that is even more impressive considering the struggles that his degraded Ipswich had at this level.
“He has been the driving force of their attack, scored from all corners and distances while he also pulled the team in the field with his runs with and without the ball. It is this range of skills that make it stand out.
“A frontman with the possibility of keeping the ball up, while he is also one of the top 25 Premier League players for Take-Ons is a rare thing. His over performance of his expected goals shows his finishing capacity. Delap is ready for the next step.
“Where that will be and how Delap would fit into a different system is intriguing. But it is no wonder that there is great interest in the 22-year-old English Youth International.
“His £ 30 million release clause is far below the listed price tag for some strikers on the continent linked to a switch to the Premier League that would be a little more a risk. Investing in Delap seems to be a smart move.”
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