Spurs can compete with Chelsea for highly-rated striker – Journalist claims

Journalist Ben Jacobs believes that not qualifying for Europe next season is not expected to affect Tottenham’s chances of competing with Chelsea for a Premier League starlet.

Tottenham are fans of young Liam Delap

Liam Delap has had an exceptional start to his Premier League career at Ipswich since joining the newly promoted side from Manchester City last summer.

It has been widely reported that the 21-year-old’s displays at the Portman Road Stadium have impressed Tottenham, who have explored a move for Delap.

However, Spurs are not the only ones interested in the centre-forward, with London rivals, Chelsea, also thought to be eyeing a move for the Man City academy graduate.

Tottenham could beat Chelsea to Liam Delap

Jacobs has confirmed that both the Lilywhites and the Blues have expressed an interest in Delap and has revealed that the Ipswich man is in favour of a move to the capital.

The journalist suggested that the race might come down to who can offer the youngster regular minutes, with Champions League qualification not likely to give Chelsea an advantage over their London rivals in the transfer race.

Jacobs told The Last Word on Spurs: “And then obviously the knock-on effect would be that Chelsea may be more inclined to go for Delap. Chelsea might even say right now, and it’s very early I know, they ranked Delap above Sesko in their list of possibilities. But I think Tottenham will be in that conversation for Liam Delap as well.

“I think the player is quite keen on moving to a London club. I don’t think, because he’s playing at Ipswich at the moment, he minds about the now. So again, it’s about where’s the best development, where’s the best package, where’s the best training facilities, where’s the best manager.

“It’s not about who’s got Champions League football right now. So if Spurs didn’t get Europe, I don’t think it would put them at a significant disadvantage compared to, say, Chelsea. It would be more about who can convince the player he’s going to play regularly and thrive under a manager and in that system.”

Spurs likely to make a move for Delap in the summer

With Richarlison potentially on his way out of Tottenham at the end of the season, one would expect the Lilywhites to enter the market for a number nine in the summer.

Delap fits the bill, given his age, tactical profile and homegrown status. Spurs would be an attractive option for the 21-year-old, given the fact that young talents are getting opportunities to thrive at N17.

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