Alan Shearer gives Liam Delap Chelsea transfer verdict amid Man City clause - 'Without a doubt'

Alan Shearer has already weighed in on Liam Delap, as Chelsea are credited with an interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

Delap, a former star of the Manchester City academy, has been making waves at Ipswich Town despite their ongoing struggle against Premier League relegation. The young striker has netted 11 goals and provided two assists in the league this season.

The 22-year-old scored in Ipswich's midweek victory over Bournemouth, keeping the Tractor Boys' slim hopes of avoiding relegation, alive. However, with Ipswich nine points adrift and only eight games remaining, time is not on their side.

With relegation looming, top-flight clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on Delap's situation at Portman Road. Alongside Chelsea, Manchester United are also reportedly interested, and the striker could be available for around £40million.

However, City are understood to have included a buyback clause as part of the transfer agreement with Ipswich. Shearer thinks it's a no-brainer for United and Chelsea to snap him up as they look to bolster their attack for the upcoming season.

"Liam Delap has been one of the standouts in a really poor season for Ipswich and it's difficult when you're up against it every single week to stand out but he's been one that has," the Newcastle United legend, Shearer told Betfair.

"Ipswich fans won't want to hear it, but it's inevitable that he'll be linked with massive football clubs because he's a really good talent.

"They're sat on something special are Ipswich. They put their neck on the line and paid the money for him and they've done very well with him.

"Delap has stood out this season which unfortunately means that he will attract the attention of the big clubs. It's going to be very difficult for Ipswich to keep hold of him, particularly because if, as expected, they're going to get relegated. Having had a taste of the Premier League, he won't want to go back to the Championship.

"He'll want to stay in the big league, so it's going to be very difficult for Ipswich to keep hold of him. If they go down then he won't want to stay.

"Who would want to go down and play in the Championship, having had a taste of Premier League football - that's only natural."

Shearer continued: "Big clubs will be looking at him, because I think he's got something about him. He's got an arrogance about him, which I really like and he's got an aura.

"He's already been linked with a number of clubs in the Premier League and looking at who he's been linked with I think he can go in and command a starting role, because he's better than anything Man United have got up front.

"He's also better than anything Chelsea have got up front, so the answer is simple – yes, he would start for those clubs. I think the good sign is that he's done really well in a struggling team and has, without a doubt, been the standout.

"They'll do well to keep hold of him and Ipswich fans will not want to hear that! They'll probably get angry hearing that, but that's the reality unfortunately."