Chelsea have been handed a blow in their reported transfer pursuit of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

Reports in recent weeks have speculated that the Blues are interested in signing the former Manchester City star. Delap left the Etihad Stadium in the summer to complete a move to Portman Road in a deal reportedly worth around £20million.

Since moving to Ipswich, Delap has scored seven goals in the Premier League and has been a regular starter for Kieran McKenna's team.

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That form has led to Delap being linked with a move away from Ipswich in January, just a few months after he completed a move to Suffolk.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea "admire" Delap but will face competition from Manchester United for his signature.

However, it has been reported that Man City inserted a buy-back clause into the deal that saw Delap move to Ipswich.

As a result, if Chelsea try and sign the striker then City could have the opportunity to stop a move to Stamford Bridge from happening if they decide to complete a reunion with their former player.

A move in January may not be likely given Delap only signed for Ipswich in the summer, but the report suggests that it is becoming increasingly likely that a deal with the likes of Chelsea or Man United may be possible at the end of the season. The Blues have been linked with several strikers in recent transfer windows, including Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

It remains to be seen what players Enzo Maresca may want to add to his squad in the New Year when the transfer window opens. Chelsea currently have Nicolas Jackson, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu as their centre forward options.