Liam Delap reveals Cole Palmer role in choosing Chelsea over Man Utd

Liam Delap has revealed he spoke with former team-mate Cole Palmer before deciding to join Chelsea for £30million.

Delap joined Enzo Maresca's men despite strong interest from Manchester United and quickly wrapped up a move from Ipswich Town in time for the Club World Cup.

The forward has already made his first two appearances for the club against Los Angeles FC and Flamengo and is hoping to become Chelsea's first choice forward in the 2025-26 season.

Delap has spoken about what influenced his decision to move to Stamford Bridge despite huge interest in his signature and said Palmer - who came through the ranks with him at Manchester City - was a big help in making his decision.

"Yeah I spoke to him a little bit," he said, as reported by ESPN. "Asked him what I needed to ask him. He told me what I needed to know. I don't like too much information.

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"Ultimately it was my decision so I kind of just want my head to be clear so not too much. [I've known him] since I was 15, playing at City with him. I've got a good relationship with him so it was nice to see a familiar face.

"There are so many factors that go into it. I've got a good relationship with the manager. I know how he plays. I've played in this system before. I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That's what excited me."

Palmer made the move from City to Chelsea and has become one of the first names on the team-sheet. He scored 22 goals and assisted 11 in his first season before netting another 15 and assisting eight in his second campaign.

Delap is hoping to emulate the midfielder by also making a fast start to life in west London, having scored 12 Premier League goals last season.

"Of course, that's the goal," Delap said. "I think we both had similar positions and he's gone and smashed it so hopefully I can also.

"I think he's always been that good and everyone at City will tell you that. The rate he's done it at is incredible. But I think ultimately it was always going to happen."

Delap is still only 22 and will now be looking to stamp his mark on the Premier League after his first season in the top flight with the Tractor Boys ended in relegation. He previously played six senior games for City before loan moves to Stoke, Preston and Hull before joining Ipswich for £20m last summer.

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