Chelsea appear to have made great progress in the race to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. The 21-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month as Enzo Maresca looks to strengthen his frontline.

Delap, who sees his contract at Portman Road expire in June 2029, has already featured 22 times in the Premier League this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in the process. Playing a key role in Kieran McKenna's side, he's given the promoted outfit a shot at survival.

The England Under-21 international's impressive performances haven't gone under the radar, with numerous top clubs – including Chelsea – interested in securing his signature. football.london understands the west London team are long-time admirers of Delap, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City in the summer for £20m.

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It's believed that it could be difficult to lure the Englishman away from Suffolk this month, with the Tractor Boys at the heart of a relegation scrap, and nor will it be cheap in any case. According to GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are in pole position to sign Delap.

However, the report states that a deal may have to wait until the summer. While this comes as a major boost for the Blues, Enzo Maresca may have to wait a little bit longer before he has a new frontman.

Shortly before the January transfer window opened, Delap was quizzed on his future at Ipswich and the speculation linking him with a move away. Speaking to Suffolk News, he said: "Yes, I don’t really look at things like that. So, yes, I’m just focused on Ipswich."

Delap added: "As a young player, you just want to go and play football. We’re lucky to be playing in the Premier League. I think we’ve got a great opportunity here at Ipswich and we’re just trying to show our ability week in, week out, that’s a big plus for me."

Maresca, who coached Delap during their time together in the Manchester City academy, reunited with the youngster when Ipswich defeat Chelsea 2-0 at Portman Road. Speaking to reporters ahead of that clash, the Blues boss said: "Liam is a fantastic player and also for his age.

"I think we spent one year together and I think he scored 22, 24 goals and he's a very good striker. In England, they have many like him - and they have many good players - good strikers and he's working hard off the ball, on the ball he understands the game and can score goals. And also because of his age, I think he can also be an important player for England."