Chelsea Forward Linked With Transfer to London Rivals

Liam Delap is being linked with a move to Fulham should Kieran McKenna take the managerial role at Craven Cottage.

The Ipswich Town manager is reportedly interested in replacing Marco Silva, who left the club after five years to become Benfica’s head coach, according to talkSPORT.

McKenna is currently Fulham’s top target, but his Ipswich contract contains an £8 million release clause.

talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook discussed the club’s pursuit on Friday’s Breakfast show, alongside Shebah Aherne and Carlton Cole.

“I think Kieran McKenna is their preferred choice, but it won’t be a cheap deal,” Crook said. “He has an £8 million release clause, and while that might not seem high for a striker, clubs are often reluctant to pay that for a manager. It’s interesting how important the managerial role is these days.”

He added, “It’s a step up for him. It will be another battle to keep Ipswich in the Premier League. You start to see Fulham as an established Premier League team.”

Also Read: Delap: I’m Ready To Fight For My Shirt At Chelsea

McKenna led Ipswich back to the Premier League on the first attempt after finishing second in the Championship, marking his third promotion in four full seasons at Portman Road.

If appointed, signing a striker could be one of his priorities this summer, and Cole suggested Delap as a suitable target.

When asked if Delap could move to Fulham, Crook replied, “Very good question. Well, Raul Jiménez has left. He’s in talks with Wolves, and many of their fans would welcome that return, so yes, Delap to Fulham could be a good shout.”

Cole added, “I think it’s a good shout. I’m just thinking outside the box!”

Jiménez will leave the club as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the month.