Chelsea news: Lee Carsley on Liam Delap’s strengths

Liam Delap is set to become Chelsea’s striker – and while that move is good news for Blues supporters, it is bad news for England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley.

The Young Lions boss had named Delap in his squad for the U21 European Championships in Slovakia.

The tournament starts next week but Chelsea are involved in the Fifa Club World Cup.

Once Delap signs for the Stamford Bridge club, they are likely to want him to play in that competition. Unfortunately for Carsley, the Club World Cup has precedence.

“First and foremost we have to remember the age of the players. Obviously, they are adult professional players as they are over 18, but they still need a lot of support,” Carsley said.

“We’re supporting all of the players. We have room within our schedule to make sure they get a chance if they need to have a medical or they need to speak to a club. We support them with that.

“Liam is one of two or three players we are supporting with that at the moment.

“Ideally, I want them here – of course I do. You want your strongest squad but we have to put the players first and that is definitely what we are doing.”

When asked about what Delap will bring to Chelsea, Carsley was reluctant to go into detail until a transfer was complete, but he did highlight the 22-year-old’s strengths.

“Liam has done really well in the Premier League. He has shown what a capable player he is.

“The good thing about Liam is he still has a lot of developing to do. He still has a lot of improvement to do in his all round game so it is exciting times for him.”