Chelsea's secret WEAPON over Liverpool in Liam Delap chase

Liverpool look set to be active in the upcoming transfer window. One of the Reds’ chief concerns heading towards the off-season is a new centre forward.

Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are expected to be sold as sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot eye upgrades.

READ MORE: Liverpool coach CONFIRMS star has rejected mega offer

Concerns over Jota’s fitness have followed him around throughout his Anfield career. At 28, with only two years left on his contract, it might well be time for the club to cash in.

READ MORE: Liverpool AGREE to re-open talks with ex-Everton star

Nunez, 25, has struggled for game time and goals this season - netting only five in the Premier League - and his fate looks sealed. If Liverpool can bank good money for the pair then it’s likely some improvements will be sought in that area this summer.

Liverpool like Liam Delap

Among the candidates tipped to arrive are Hugo Ekitike and Matheus Cunha. There is another long-term target however who could be available for a fraction of his true worth.

Liam Delap, 21, has been on the radar since his days as a youth team player with Manchester City. He has since established himself as a top-flight centre-forward with Ipswich, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League this season.

However, owing to a relegation release clause the England under-21 international is available for £30 million this summer. Liverpool would be foolhardy not to have a go at that price, given Delap’s age, potential and current output.

But they won’t have it all their own way with Chelsea and Manchester United also tipped to move for the former Hull City loanee.

Chelsea use Palmer to attract Delap

Indeed, Chelsea believe they have a trump card in Cole Palmer - Delap’s former Manchester City academy teammate - who could be deployed to summon his pal to Stamford Bridge.

That’s according to a report in TBR Football, which also dismisses the possibility of Palmer moving on from Chelsea this summer - despite outlandish rumours linking the England man to Liverpool.

“People at Chelsea feel he could play a part in attracting Liam Delap, they know each other well from their time together at Manchester City and that can only help,” the report states.

READ MORE: Liverpool in SIX-WAY battle to sign prolific forward

The Blues are also in the market for a centre-forward and could provide stiff competition for any potential Liverpool targets. Let’s hope Delap sees sense and takes the opportunity to move to the champions if their interest is formalised.