Chelsea have raised their asking price for Liam Delap to £50m after Serie A side Como made an approach for the striker, according to Sky Italy.
Como, who are managed by former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, are preparing for their first Champions League campaign and have already signed Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea for £30.7m. The two clubs have a healthy relationship, and Como have now enquired about Delap, with reports suggesting they may look to sign him on loan.
Delap's difficult first season at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea beat several clubs, including Manchester United, to sign Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m last summer. However, the 23-year-old scored just three goals in 47 appearances in his debut season, and his future at the club looks uncertain.
Joao Pedro is currently ahead of him in the pecking order, while new manager Xabi Alonso has signed Danny Welbeck as Pedro's deputy. Delap, who still has five years left on his contract, is one of several players Chelsea are looking to sell or loan out before the September 1 deadline.
Interest from other clubs and potential loan exit
Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have also shown interest in Delap. It was previously reported that Chelsea would accept an offer in the region of £35-40m, but in light of Como's interest, they are now demanding £50m.
It remains to be seen whether any club would be willing to pay that fee, especially given Delap's recent form. However, he did score 12 goals for a struggling Ipswich side and recorded 35 goals and nine assists in 36 games for Manchester City's U21 team.
In other news, talks are underway for a permanent deal that would see £19m signing Omari Kellyman join BlueCo's other club, Strasbourg.
