Como initiates discussions with Chelsea for Liam Delap

Italian club Como has initiated discussions with Chelsea regarding the potential signing of English striker Liam Delap. The Serie A side, managed by former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, has made an initial approach for the 23-year-old, who is reportedly available in the final two weeks of the transfer window.

Delap moved to Chelsea from Ipswich Town last summer for a fee of approximately £30 million after a promising debut Premier League season in which he scored 12 goals. However, his time at Stamford Bridge has been largely disappointing. He has managed only two or three goals in 41 to 47 appearances across all competitions, with most of his playing time coming as a substitute. Injuries and suspensions disrupted his first campaign, and he has fallen further down the pecking order following the arrivals of Emmanuel Emegha and Danny Welbeck, as well as the return of Nicolas Jackson from a loan spell.

Chelsea are reportedly open to moving Delap on and have valued him at around £40 million. While there is interest from other Premier League clubs, including previously linked teams Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds United, Delap is said to prefer staying in England. Como,...