Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher calls transfer decision 'bad move'

Everton was in talks to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap last summer, and Jamie Carragher has been left baffled by the England U21 international's decision to join Chelsea instead

Jamie Carragher believes Liam Delap should have signed for Everton and not Chelsea(Image: Stick to Football)

It's set to be another significant summer transfer window for Everton.

While the work required by David Moyes and the club's recruitment team will not be as extensive as it was 12 months ago, there are areas that need bolstering. Right-back is the glaringly obvious one, as it has been for some time, whilst a new left-back may also be necessary, particularly if Adam Aznou is judged still not ready for the demands of the Premier League.

A decision will also need to be made over whether to pursue a permanent deal for on-loan Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish, whose impressive campaign has been cut short by a serious injury.

And then there's the center-forward position.

Thierno Barry has shown glimpses of potential, but after a strong run of four goals in five Premier League matches, he has been unable to score in the last three, and in Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth, he was guilty of spurning a golden chance.

But while Barry's future is at Hill Dickinson Stadium, you cannot say that with the same certainty over Beto, who was linked with moves away from the club during the recently closed transfer window.

Liam Delap has struggled since joining Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)

So a new striker may well be needed come the end of the campaign, and it will be interesting to see if Everton makes a fresh move for Liam Delap. Delap had discussions with Moyes toward the conclusion of last season.

Ipswich's relegation clause, triggered by the team's drop to the Championship, opened the door for the Blues to pursue his services.

The England U21 star was reportedly won over by the Everton boss's vision. Ultimately, though, he opted for Chelsea, where he's managed only two goals in 23 outings while competing for a regular place alongside prolific striker Joao Pedro.

Earlier this week, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher suggested Delap made a mistake.

The Liverpool legend, speaking on Stick to Football, said: "It was a bad move.

"I just think young players when they're on a journey getting better, this idea... the jump from Ipswich to Chelsea is too big. You need something in the middle.

"Playing center-forward for Everton every game and knowing even if you have a few bad games or you're injured, you'll play again.

"He's never sure if he's going to play (at Chelsea). Even if he starts, he's going to come off. Sometimes the jump is too big, and you need that bit in the middle."