As ever with these situations, Manchester United can draw a positive out of a negative. Delap fitted their template of an improving, hungry young player, with scope to reach a high standard - at a set fee.

Liam Delap revealed that the prospect of winning trophies was a defining factor behind his decision to join Chelsea despite competing interest from the likes of Manchester United. Once it was known that Delap’s Ipswich Town contract included a bargain £30 million ($40.

Liam Delap revealed that the prospect of winning trophies was a defining factor behind his decision to join Chelsea despite competing interest from the likes of Manchester United.