West Ham would favour signing Ipswich’s Liam Delap over Evan Ferguson on a permanent deal, according to reports.
Speaking on the West Ham Way podcast, ExWHUEmployee confirmed that the former Manchester City striker is high up the club’s list of striker targets.
Supporters on X are, however, sceptical whether the Hammers would win the battle for Delap, considering the interest being shown in him by other Premier League teams:
Too much competition for his signature.
— Iron Thompson (@at67435) April 8, 2025
I could be ahead of Evan Ferguson on the list of targets and I’m a 55 year old American who hasn’t played organized football in about 45 years.
— T. Martin (@Tmandolfan) April 8, 2025
He's not going to choose us over Arsenal & Man United who are also linked with him
— Mark Horgan (@Mark_AW_Horgan) April 8, 2025
I’d put money on it that he’s sitting on the bench at another club
— RB (@RICHYBUTTON) April 8, 2025
Rubbish. He'll go elsewhere
— Dagenhamboy ⚒️⚒️⚒️⚒️🏴 (@Dagenhamboy1) April 8, 2025
Delap does have a release clause
It is believed that clubs can purchase the 22-year-old for £40m if Ipswich are relegated from the Premier League this season.
With the Tractor Boys being 12 points from safety with seven games to go after losing a crucial six-pointer against Wolves at the weekend, it is very likely that Delap’s release clause will be activated.
West Ham are not among the favourites to buy the forward
As some fans have pointed out, the Irons are not in pole position to sign Delap. Manchester United are believed to have made him a priority target along with Chelsea.
There is also thought to be interest from Liverpool, Newcastle, Everton and Arsenal so the chances of the Irons coming out on top in the race for his services are pretty remote at this stage.
Click here to see West Ham’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season
