Chelsea are reportedly nearing the signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap.
An exclusive report on May 14 indicated that the Blues were growing increasingly confident they could beat Manchester United to the £30 million forward.
A deal could be announced as early as next week, as Chelsea look to strengthen after a strong finish to the season.
They secured a top four Premier League position and qualified for next season`s Champions League.
Delap, 22, scored 12 goals for Ipswich Town despite their relegation.
He has a £30 million release clause in his contract and is keen to join manager Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United were interested, but their failure to secure European football for next season appears to have worked against them.
Everton were also linked, but Delap seems poised to become Chelsea`s first summer signing.
The London club anticipates a significant financial boost, potentially receiving up to £100 million from Champions League participation and a similar amount if they win the Club World Cup this summer.
In a related move, Ipswich is reportedly seeking to take Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on loan as part of the agreement for Delap`s transfer.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna commented last week that Delap was evaluating his options following the club`s relegation.
He stated: “Liam is looking at his options for next year, which I think he is entitled to do, and we support him with that.”
“We have given him permission to do that this week. It`s a very important decision for his future. Of course, there is a lot of interest – and rightly so.”
“Part of his week has been having some of those conversations.”
“It looks more likely than not that he will move on this summer, and he has interest from pretty much every club in the league, and I don`t think there are many clubs in the world who wouldn`t want to have him.”
“Nothing is sorted, nothing is done or completed or even very, very, very close, so that process will take its course.”
