Moyes admits Everton have held talks with Delap

Everton have stepped up their attempts to sign Liam Delap as rival clubs jostle for position for the Ipswich striker who is almost certain to leave Portman Road this summer. 

Having admitted to the media ahead of the Tractor Boys' visit to Goodison Park early this month that he was very interested in acquiring Delap, David Moyes continued his uncharacteristically public courtship of the 22-year-old by telling the press on Friday that talks have been held him and his representatives.

With 12 Premier League goals in his first season in the top flight, Delap notched three more than the Toffees' top scorer, Iliman Ndiaye, and he has a clutch of clubs said to be vying for his signature and prepared to trigger his £30m release clause, including Manchester United and Chelsea.

Ipswich boss, Kieran McKenna, said on Friday that he expects Delap to leave his club during the close season and that the player has been given permission to speak to interested parties.

Everton might struggle to compete with United's prestige or the Champions League football on offer at Chelsea but Moyes might hope to lure the striker with the promise that he would be a first-choice starter at Bramley-Moore Dock.

“We’ve had a chance to speak to him, yes,” Moyes said of Delap during his press conference ahead of this weekend's trip to Newcastle. “He spoke to three or four clubs. He’s given us our opportunity to pitch our case.

“We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but, hopefully, you never know what happens.”

Meanwhile, the Blues are being strongly linked with a move for talented Liverpool winger, Ben Doak, who has impressed on loan at Middlesbrough this season. He, too, could command as much as £30m, which might make a move by Everton prohibitive.