For Chelsea fans, the news that new signing Liam Delap has taken on the number nine shirt will bring back feelings they have managed to bury for the past two seasons. That is because that particular shirt has become synonymous in recent times with forwards that have ultimately underwhelmed and led to some to call the squad number 'cursed'.

Chelsea have signed striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town after activating his £30million release clause. The 22-year-old has agreed to a six-year contract, having decided on a move to Stamford Bridge over several other interested clubs.

Forward Liam Delap has joined Chelsea on a six-year contract ahead of this month's Club World Cup, leaving Ipswich Town after they were relegated from the Premier League, the West London side said on Wednesday.