Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has explained why he feels Liam Delap is moving in the right direction as the forward continues to be linked with a move to Everton.
Delap's performance in friendly
Delap was part of a youthful Chelsea side that beat Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 at the Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush on Tuesday. The forward played 60 minutes before he was replaced by Joao Pedro, who went on to score a hat-trick.
Delap has been strongly linked with a move to the Blues this summer and when asked for thoughts on the forward given the speculation around his Stamford Bridge future, Alonso said: "Every player that is involved is doing well, Liam as well.
“It was 60 minutes when he had to battle hard against the centre-backs, a good few lays off, so he's doing well and preparing for the season.”
Alonso on Delap's confidence
Asked if he believed Delap was lacking confidence, Alonso replied: “I see him in a good mood, in a good desire to get proper fitness, proper football feeling good, and he's doing well.”
Delap continues to be linked with a move to Everton after the Hill Dickinson Stadium outfit missed out on his signature last summer.
Everton's previous interest
David Moyes was keen on signing the England under-21 international last summer, as the forward had a £30million release clause in his Ipswich Town contract following the club’s Premier League relegation. While Everton held talks with the forward, he opted to join Chelsea, rejecting the chance to sign for Manchester United in the process.
But his move to Stamford Bridge has not worked out as planned, and he scored just twice in 41 appearances in all competitions last season.
Chelsea's striker market plans
The Blues are expected to explore the striker market this summer despite the improving tallies of Beto and Thierno Barry. Earlier this summer, German side RB Leipzig have made an enquiry about Barry, while clubs in Italy have also shown interest in Beto.
