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David Moyes missed out on bringing Liam Delap to Everton last year – but the forward faces an uncertain future following the arrival of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea\u2019s new head coach<\/h2>\n <\/p>\n\n
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\nXabi Alonso (Image: (Ayush Kumar\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images))<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/p>\n
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 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\nGet YOUR Everton FC Newsletter<\/h3>\n\n
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\nOpen the Echo’s newsletter preference centre RIGHT HERE.<\/strong><\/li>\nOpen up Sport.<\/strong><\/li>\nChoose Everton FC<\/strong> and hit Subscribe.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\nAsked if he believed Delap was lacking confidence, Alonso replied: \u201cI see him in a good mood, in a good desire to get proper fitness, proper football feeling good, and he’s doing well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Delap continues to be linked with a move to Everton after the Hill Dickinson Stadium outfit missed out on his signature last summer.<\/p>\n
David Moyes was keen on signing the England under-21 international last summer, as the forward had a \u00a330million release clause in his Ipswich Town contract following the club\u2019s Premier League relegation.<\/p>\n
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\nLiam Delap is pursued by Idrissa Gueye during the game between Everton and Ipswich Town at Goodison Park on May 3, 2025(Image: OLI SCARFF\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/div>\n
While Everton held talks with the forward, he opted to join Chelsea, rejecting the chance to sign for Manchester United in the process.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Blues are expected to explore the striker market this summer despite the improving tallies of Beto and Thierno Barry.<\/p>\n
Earlier this summer, German side RB Leipzig have made an enquiry about Barry, while clubs in Italy have also shown interest in Beto.<\/p>\n
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