Everton are no longer in the race to sign Liam Delap, ReadChelsea understands, because they cannot afford the price Chelsea have placed on the striker.
David Moyes had been keen on the 23-year-old, but the Liam Delap transfer is not currently considered financially possible for the Merseyside club.
Everton had emerged as one of the main potential destinations for Delap earlier in the window.
TalkSPORT chief transfer correspondent Alex Crook reported earlier this month that Moyes was particularly interested in the striker and that Delap was expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline. ReadChelsea covered those developments on 4 August.
However, ReadChelsea can now reveal that Everton are not in the race.
Chelsea’s asking price is beyond what Everton can currently afford, removing one of Delap’s previously reported suitors from contention.
Liam Delap transfer takes fresh turn at Chelsea
Delap’s future remains one to watch after increased competition for attacking places under Xabi Alonso.
João Pedro, Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha are among Alonso’s centre-forward options, but Chelsea are under no pressure to accept a cut-price deal for Delap.
The England striker also delivered a timely reminder of his ability at the weekend. Delap scored twice from the penalty spot during Chelsea’s 3-3 friendly draw with Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia. Chelsea’s official report confirmed his brace as the Blues ended their tour with a draw.
Delap originally joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in June 2025 and remains contracted at Stamford Bridge until 2031.
Everton’s withdrawal therefore narrows the market rather than forcing Chelsea to reconsider their stance.
Unless another interested club is prepared to meet Chelsea’s demands, Delap could remain part of Alonso’s squad when the Premier League season begins.
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