Chelsea have set a new price tag for one of their unwanted stars as interest in the £30m transfer flop ramps up.
Como, managed by former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas, are looking to make big moves in the market ahead of their first Champions League campaign.
The Serie A side have already splashed £30.7million to sign Trevoh Chalobah and as their relationship with Stamford Bridge is healthy, they have approached Chelsea for another player.
According to multiple reports, Como are very interested in Liam Delap and may try to sign the striker on loan.
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Chelsea beat several clubs, including Manchester United, to Delap’s signature last summer, signing him from Ipswich Town for £30m.
However, the Englishman endured a nightmare debut season, scoring just three goals in 47 appearances for the Blues, and his career in west London looks to already be over.
Joao Pedro is firmly ahead in the pecking order, while new manager Xabi Alonso has signed veteran Danny Welbeck to be Pedro’s deputy.
Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have also shown interest in the 23-year-old, and it was said that Chelsea would accept an offer in the region of £35-40m as they look to make profit.
However, in light of Como’s interest, it appears the Blues want more, with Sky Italy reporting that Chelsea value Delap at £50m.
It seems unlikely that any club would be willing to stump up that much, especially after such a terrible season but it remains to be seen whether Alonso would sanction a loan exit which could improve Delap’s credentials.
The striker was able to score 12 goals for a poor Ipswich team and recorded a staggering 35 goals and nine assists in just 36 games for Manchester City’s U21 side.
Delap, who still has five years left on his contract, is one of many players Chelsea are looking to sell or loan out before deadline day on September 1.
In other news, talks are underway for a transfer that would see £19m signing Omari Kellyman join BlueCo’s other club Strasbourg in a permanent deal.
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