UCL side plotting to sign "talented" Ipswich ace who could leave with Delap

With relegation back down to the Championship a growing certainty, Ipswich Town now reportedly face the prospect of losing both Liam Delap and one other attacking star this summer.

Liam Delap clause emerges

The Tractor Boys may sit 18th and as many as 12 points adrift of safety, but that should not stand in the way of praise for Delap. The former Manchester City man has been excellent, and with or without Kieran McKenna’s side, should keep hold of his place in the Premier League.

His form certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed either, with a plethora of clubs already chasing his signature amid a reported relegation clause worth just £30m this summer.

With both Chelsea and Manchester United keen on his signature, Delap looks destined to have a decision to make when the summer arrives. Ipswich, meanwhile, are likely to watch on as the player they signed for a reported £20m walks out the door for just £30m.

McKenna, as many are, is well aware of the talent that he has on his hands and attempted to instil belief that Delap could yet stay at Portman Road recently, telling reporters: “It’s not something that’s been discussed loads internally at because everyone’s focus, honestly, has been on Bournemouth, on Wolves, now on Chelsea. But if you ask me, is that a possibility?

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He’s currently in the Championship.

“I think it’s certainly a possibility. Liam’s a young striker. He’s developing really, really well at the football club. He’s happy and he’s improving every week and we’re enjoying working with him.

“I’m sure there’s lots of different possibilities. But Liam’s an Ipswich player. He enjoys being an Ipswich player and that’s where his full focus is.”

Meanwhile, although the focus has been on Delap in recent weeks, reports are now indicating that another attacking star could yet be heading for a summer departure.

PSV eyeing Jack Clarke move

According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, PSV are now eyeing a move to sign Jack Clarke from Ipswich this summer in a deal that would see the winger potentially leave alongside Delap.

A Champions League club, the former Sunderland man would be completing quite the move by going from likely Premier League relegation to the Eredivisie and one of Europe’s elite.

Like Delap, Clarke only arrived at Portman Road last summer – and for a hefty fee, at that. The Tractor Boys reportedly secured his signature for as much as £15m, but have since watched on as he’s struggled to make his mark in England’s top flight. Now, they will be desperate to at least recoup what they paid if PSV come swooping in.

Dubbed “talented” by McKenna earlier this season, Clarke could yet realise his potential away from English football and away from Ipswich this summer.