Chelsea 'are keen' on Premier League youngster as they search for a new No 9... with 21-year-old rising star ranking 'exceptionally highly' by recruitment staff

• e-mail

Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on an in-form Premier League youngster as they begin to plan their next splash in the transfer market.

The Blues have spent heavily on players since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took control of the club in May 2022 - but it appears the transfer carousel is set for another spin.

Under Enzo Maresca's leadership, this young squad have improved significantly and find themselves in contention for a top four finish this season.

There is still a feeling in some quarters that they lack a reliable goalscorer and so it is little surprise that strikers are who they are reportedly compiling more and more data on.

One of those, according to the I, is Ipswich's 21-year-old striker Liam Delap, who has six goals from 11 Premier League games this season.

Delap is said to have rated 'exceptionally highly' on Chelsea's 'advanced transfer metrics' internally, with the Blues among a number of clubs monitoring him ahead of the January window.

Enzo Maresca is reportedly plotting a move for a new No 9 to enhance his Chelsea side

A 21-year-old rising star is one of the players that Chelsea are said to be keen on at this moment

Delap's all-round game is as impressive as his goal return to date with the report going on to explain that clubs have been left enamoured with his movement, physical threat and acceleration.

Chelsea would be a curious landing spot, not least because it is a very young squad and Maresca has shown an ability to nurture and develop young and exciting talents.

Delap left Manchester City last summer to join Ipswich in a deal worth around £20million - although City have inserted a buy-back clause as well as a sell-on clause in the contract.

A No 9 is said to be on Chelsea's wishlist having missed out on Victor Osimhen, who left Napoli to join Galatasaray in a strange turn of events.

Delap is an exciting prospect that many at the top of the game believe can continue to get even better.

Last month, interim England Under-21 boss Ben Futcher was effusive in his praise of the youngster.

'Liam was an absolute handful. If you want to go and fight him, he'll match you. If you want to race him, he'll win the race,' he said.

Liam Delap (right) has been a hit for Ipswich this season and has six league goals already

'He's very difficult to deal with, he's quick, he's powerful, he's in good form in the Premier League.

'Liam's a top number nine and he's going to keep developing.'

Delap will have the opportunity to further announce himself on the biggest stage this weekend when Ipswich host Manchester United, under the management of Ruben Amorim for the first time.

United go into the game as favourites following the managerial change but Delap and Ipswich will be eager to put a dagger into their visitors' newfound optimism.