Chelsea have triggered the £30 million relegation release clause in Blues striker Liam Delap’s contract.
TWTD revealed on Tuesday that the West Londoners were in pole position to sign the 22-year-old, who has spoken to a number of sides over the last fortnight.
Earlier, it emerged that some of those clubs had been told Delap had made his decision and would be moving elsewhere.
Now, Chelsea have triggered the release clause with agreeing personal terms a formality with the short 10-day first mini-transfer window of the summer set to open on Sunday.
That has been introduced ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup but it’s understood Delap wouldn’t be able to play for Chelsea in that competition as he’ll be with the England U21s at the European Championship in Slovakia.
The Winchester-born frontman previously worked with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca during his spell as U21s manager at Manchester City where he came through the ranks alongside Cole Palmer.
Delap joined the Blues for an initial £15 million last summer from City, who are understood to be due 20 per cent of Town’s profit.
The one-time Derby County academy youngster played his final game for Town against West Ham United on Sunday, coming on as a second-half sub.
In total, he made 32 starts and eight sub appearances in his one campaign with the club, scoring 12 times.
During the discussions regarding the Delap move, Town have enquired about taking Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on loan but with the 19-year-old understood to be unconvinced by the prospect of the switch.