Stakes too HIGH in race for Delap

HOWARD HAS DOUBTS ABOUT BLUES' ABILITY TO NET LIAM

- CHRIS BEESLEY

TIM Howard fears his former club Everton are likely to miss out on signing Liam Delap.

But another ex-Premier League star reckons the Blues would be the ideal move for the in-demand Ipswich Town striker.

Having netted a dozen goals for the 18th-placed Suffolk outfit this term, the 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season having left Manchester City last summer following loan spells in the Championship with Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City.

The Winchester-born player is understood to have a £30million relegation release clause that ensures the competition for his signature is expected to be fierce in the upcoming transfer window.

Everton manager David Moyes has already declared his interest and, when asked about Delap in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side's home fixture against Ipswich last Saturday, the Blues boss said: "He would be one who we would certainly have an interest in... we would certainly be interested if he was interested in us. That's for sure."