Chelsea are on the verge of finalising the signing of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with the 22-year-old set to undergo his medical in London within the next 24 hours.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, all parties have reached a full agreement. “Everything is agreed with Delap. Everything is agreed with Ipswich Town. Ipswich gave the green light to Delap for medical tests and contract signing,” Romano revealed on YouTube.

The Blues will trigger Delap’s £30million release clause as part of their push to strengthen their squad ahead of next season’s return to the Champions League.

Delap has chosen Chelsea over strong interest from Manchester United, Newcastle United and Everton, influenced in part by the opportunity to work again with Enzo Maresca and Chelsea recruitment chief Joe Shields—both of whom were at Manchester City during Delap’s early years.

Ipswich only signed Delap from City last summer in a deal initially worth £15million, rising to £20million after promotion. Despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League, Delap impressed with 12 league goals in what was his first full top-flight campaign.

The striker also spent two seasons on loan in the Championship with Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City, scoring 12 goals in 70 appearances.

Delap’s imminent arrival continues Chelsea’s strategy of acquiring young, high-potential talent on long-term deals as they build for the future under Maresca.