Leeds United Lead Race For Chelsea Striker Delap

Leeds United have been backed to win the race for Chelsea striker Liam Delap. Premier League rivals also want the 23-year-old. Chelsea signed Danny Welbeck and now Delap could leave.

Chelsea spent £30 million on Delap last summer. They now want to make a profit on that fee. Multiple clubs are lining up offers for the forward.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds are ideal for Delap. He needs to rediscover his form after struggling at Chelsea. Daniel Farke could get the best out of him.

Leeds revived Dominic Calvert-Lewin's career after his Everton struggles. Farke has demanded ambition from the board this summer. Beating rivals for Delap would show that ambition.

Farke Targets Striker To Lead Attack

Football Insider revealed on 5 August that Everton and Coventry want Delap. Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa also remain interested. Leeds are now backed to beat these rivals to a deal.

Adding a new striker has been a priority for Farke this summer. Delap could form a partnership with Calvert-Lewin. Their physicality would cause problems for defenders.

"Leeds is definitely the sort of club that would get the best out of Delap," Brown told Football Insider. "He is a good Premier League player but short of Chelsea's top rung. He has not been good enough since that move."

"It looks to have knocked his confidence a bit," Brown said. "We are not seeing that same energy and physicality from him. That energy made him admired at Ipswich."

Chelsea Valuation Blocks Quick Deal

Brown stated that Leeds could get the best out of Delap. The fans would get on his side at Elland Road. The manager has wanted a striker all summer.

"Delap would be the exact type of player Farke has been looking for," Brown added. "There is every chance Leeds could do this deal. He ticks a lot of boxes for them and they will for him."

Uncertainty remains about Leeds' willingness to meet Chelsea's valuation. The striker is unlikely to push for a move away. Chelsea face no pressure to lower their demands.

Football Insider revealed on 1 August that Leeds made contact over Delap. They will not follow up while the asking price remains at £40 million. Leeds are unwilling to match that figure.

Leeds could be forced to look elsewhere if Chelsea do not change their stance. Other clubs are better placed to pay the full fee. Leeds keep a close eye on the situation in the final month of the window.

They hope Chelsea change their stance and open the door to his exit. The transfer window has one month remaining. Leeds remain interested in signing a top striker.