Manchester City are reportedly involved in the race for the services of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with Chelsea keen on the player.

The 21-year-old has made a sensational start to the 2024-25 campaign for the Tractor Boys in the top flight, scoring six goals across 12 league fixtures.

Delap almost found the net once again on Sunday afternoon against Ruben Amorim's Manchester United, however Andre Onana made an excellent close-range stop in the first half.

The former Man City youngster has nearly equalled his goalscoring tally of the previous term, when he managed eight strikes for Championship outfit Hull City.

Delap will be targeting a spot in England's senior side in the near future, with the attacker making seven appearances for the Three Lions at Under-21s level so far.

Man City to ruin Chelsea's chase of Delap?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester City could be preparing to thwart the transfer business of a Premier League rival over the next year.

The report claims that Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are keen on securing the services of Ipswich star Delap, who has adapted seamlessly to life at the top table of English football.

However, it is understood that Delap's former side Man City included a buy-back clause in the deal which saw the striker move to East Anglia over the summer.

As a result, it is believed that Pep Guardiola's Citizens are able to bring the 21-year-old back to the Etihad for just £20m should they wish.

As well as the West London Blues, Italian giants Juventus are said to have an interest in Delap, who was supposedly watched by scouts of the Old Lady at Portman Road versus Man United.

Is Delap a future England star?

At the age of 21, Delap has the potential to grow into a regular starter on the international stage for England despite failing to earn a cap yet.

Bayern Munich's Harry Kane will likely be the first-choice option for the Three Lions until he decides to retire from the international scene.

However, the options behind England's all-time leading goalscorer are less concrete, with Ollie Watkins prone to a dip in form and Dominic Solanke yet to make a true impression for the Euro 2024 finalists.