Latest news with #Ipswich
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Liam Delap names surprise defender as toughest opponent - 'Everyone says Van Dijk'
Ipswich striker Liam Delap named Nottingham Forest center-back Murillo as the toughest center-back he has faced in his career. The 22-year-old, who has been mentioned as a possible summer target for Liverpool, has come up against Murillo twice this season, failing to score or assist in either of Ipswich's games against Forest. Advertisement Delap was asked to choose between Ruben Dias, William Saliba, Murillo and Van Dijk for the toughest center-back he has faced, and although he mentioned Van Dijk — who Delap also drew a blank against in two games this season — he ultimately plumped for Murillo, who has also been linked with the Reds. "I think everyone says Van Dijk and he's probably been one of the best centre-backs in the world," Delap told Sky Sports. "When I went and played against Murillo, I was really impressed with him. He's still young and he's so fast and strong. READ MORE: Jeremie Frimpong shows exactly what he would bring to Liverpool before Xabi Alonso gesture READ MORE: Footage shows how Dominik Szoboszlai reacted to Trent Alexander-Arnold's boos at full-time Advertisement "Do you know what, I think I'm going to go with Murillo. I really like what I've seen from him this season. I don't watch too much football or anything but I don't want to go with what everyone else says." A $40 million buyout clause in Delap's Ipswich contract became active once the Suffolk club's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed, and it is expected that there will be plenty of interest in the former Manchester City player this summer. Delap has scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich despite the team's struggles and there is little chance of him remaining at Portman Road next term. The Reds are interested in signing a new striker this summer, although it remains to be seen whether they plan to firm up any interest in Delap. Advertisement Arne Slot has relied on his wide players for many of Liverpool's goals, with Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez having managed just 11 Premier League goals between them. The anticipated sale of Nunez will help to raise funds for a new striker, with Liverpool expecting there to be a strong market for the Uruguayan after rejecting approaches from clubs in Saudi Arabia during the winter window. Murillo has been a top player for Nottingham Forest this season -Credit:MI News/NurPhoto One of the offers, from Al-Hilal, was reported to have been worth $93 million, and if the club can command a similar fee this summer, it could go some way to ensuring the Reds can replace Nunez with a top-class striker. Newcastle's Alexander Isak would be Liverpool's preferred target but he is likely to prove too expensive, while the Reds have also been linked with the likes of Julian Alvarez, Viktor Gyokeres, and Benjamin Sesko of Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP, and RB Leipzig respectively.
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liam Delap set for Chelsea medical as Blues beat rivals to land Ipswich ace
Chelsea are moving forward ahead of completing their first summer transfer after triggering Ipswich star Liam Delap's release clause with the striker now preparing for a medical Liam Delap is set to undergo his Chelsea medical on Monday after the Blues triggered his release clause with Ipswich Town. Enzo Maresca's side are set to beat Manchester United, Newcastle United and Everton to his signature as they look to get their first piece of business over the line. The transfer window opens for the first time on Sunday, with the west London side able to get a deal over the line in time for their Club World Cup campaign which is set to get underway in June. Though the beginning of the tournament does clash with England's under-21 European Championship campaign. Chelsea met the £30million release clause in Delap's Ipswich contract, which came into play following the Tractor Boys' relegation. The striker scored 12 goals in his debut Premier League season having made the move from Manchester City last summer. Delap is familiar with Blues boss Maresca from the Italian's time working with City's youth setup, and a deal to bring the forward to Stamford Bridge is set to get a step closer, per the Athletic. Chelsea's qualification for the Champions League, secured on the final day of the Premier League season, is said to have been crucial for Delap opting for the side. It is also said that the ability to become a first-choice option was important to the 22-year-old, with the Blues seemingly offering the best combination of those two factors. Maresca's only senior forward over the last season has been Nicolas Jackson who scored 13 goals in 34 appearances. Maresca spoke highly of Delap's qualities during the season. The young forward posed Chelsea problems as Ipswich gained four points against their Premier League rivals in 2024/25. The Blues' head coach said earlier this year: 'In terms of numbers, he's doing fantastic. I think he's scored 12 [Premier League] goals already. 'It's not just in terms of his numbers — [it's] the way he plays and fights and is always there. But he's an Ipswich player. He's an enemy on Sunday because we need to beat them, and then after the game I wish him all the best for the future. 'In the first game, he was quite good for them. We need to deal with that, and we need to do much, much better compared to the first game [the loss at Ipswich].' Manchester United were said to already have agreed the framework of a deal for Delap, including over personal terms with Delap's representatives. A deal was ready to move quickly if Delap chose Old Trafford as his destination but ultimately, a Chelsea transfer has proved more alluring.
BBC News
13 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Ipswich to 'turn pink' for Ed Sheeran Portman Road concerts
A town will celebrate Ed Sheeran's series of homecoming gigs by turning this month Sheeran announced a run of shows at Ipswich Town Football Club's home stadium Portman Road on 11, 12 and 13 Central Business Improvement District (BID) and Ipswich Borough Council announced they would decorate the town with bunting in the same shade of pink as Sheeran's new album, Play, to welcome him Walker, chief executive of the BID, said it was "a chance for the whole town to celebrate". "When we heard that global superstar, dedicated Ipswich Town fan and local lad Ed Sheeran was coming home to perform in Ipswich this summer, and bringing 90,000 fans with him, we knew we had to celebrate," Mr Walker said. "As we 'Welcome Home Ed' it's a chance for the whole town to celebrate as the eyes of the world fall on the town."Mr Walker added that Ipswich was "the only town getting this opportunity this summer" and it was an opportunity to welcome home one of its "successful sons".Sheeran went to school in Framlingham and is also has a minority share in Ipswich Town Football Club. During July, street entertainment including live music from local talent will be organised and on Sheeran's concert days there will be a fan zone of music, merchandise, food and drink stalls on with a connection to Sheeran are due to be highlighted on a walking tour hosted on the All About Ipswich Central has also launched a Sheeran-themed window dressing leader of the council, Neil MacDonald, added he believed "plenty of people" would be on board with painting the town pink."We're very happy to welcome him back, and the whole area will benefit from the boost to the local economy," he added. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Liam Delap 'set to undergo a medical at Chelsea on Monday' - as the in-demand striker closes in on a £30m move to Stamford Bridge
Liam Delap is reportedly set to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of his £30million move to Chelsea. Delap was one of the few shining lights in Ipswich 's ill-fated return to the top flight in the 2024-25 season, netting 12 Premier League goals in 37 appearances for the relegated side. Several Premier League clubs had been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, but Mail Sport revealed earlier this week that Enzo Maresca's side have won out after triggering his release clause. Maresca is believed to have spoken with Delap as the Europa Conference League winners pitched their project after he was given permission by his club to speak with suitors. According to a report from The Athletic, a medical has been scheduled for Monday as Delap moves closer to completing his second permanent move in the last 12 months. Last summer Delap arrived at Portman Road in a deal worth £20m from Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side are now set to bank 30 per cent of Delap's fee this summer as a result of a sell-on clause in the move. After joining City's youth academy in 2019 Delap would go on to make six first team appearances for the club before successive Championship loan spells with Preston, Stoke and Hull. The signing of Delap serves as a statement of intent from Chelsea as they look to build on a successful maiden campaign with Maresca at the helm. According to recent reports Delap may not be the only high-profile forward to make his way to west London this summer. The Blues have maintained a longstanding interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. Despite the imminent arrival of Delap reports from Germany claim Chelsea are still pushing to sign Ekitike, although they face competition from several clubs, including Liverpool, who have held talks over his signing. The Frenchman joined PSG as a 20-year-old after impressing at Reims, although he struggled for gametime at the Parc des Princes. However, since moving to Germany, Ekitike has shown just why he is so highly rated - and he has scored 22 goals and added 12 assists in 48 games this season. Chelsea are believed to be ahead of their domestic rivals in the battle for Ekitke, who is valued at €100million (£84m) by Frankfurt. This is because Liverpool are focused on completing the additions of Bayer Leverkusen pair Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz. Meanwhile, despite Maresca favouring a system that has just one striker, Ekitike may not be the only addition on top of Delap. The Blues are also said to be keen on Strasbourg forward Emanuel Emegha, while Marc Guiu could be allowed to leave the club on loan this summer.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
'The sun is lethal - it caused my face tumour'
Growing up in Africa, Nicola Smart enjoyed countless hours surfboarding and lifeguarding under the intense sunshine. Unfortunately, the exposure to the sun would later lead her to a skin cancer diagnosis. While it was a non-life-threatening type, Mrs Smart, now 54, and living in Copdock near Ipswich, has undergone years of cryotherapy treatment, biopsies and body maps to ensure the cancer does not spread. In recent months, doctors found a tumour just above her lip after she noticed a dry sore, and it was removed. Mrs Smart is encouraging everyone to be careful in the sun for May's skin cancer awareness month. "Living the African life, I was a lifeguard, I was a surfer, I was a boogieboarder, I did the whole lot," Mrs Smart explained. "I got burnt loads." Mrs Smart was diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer - a common type of cancer that starts in the top layer of skin. The main types of this cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, both of which Mrs Smart has had. "I have been having cryotherapy on my hands, arms and face for the last 10 to 15 years," she continued. "Being then put under dermatology in the last four years, I've had to have more biopsies. "So I've been cut left, right and centre on my arms and hands, and the most recent one has been my face, which is the one that really got me." A few months ago, Mrs Smart noticed "a little sore" between her nose and top lip, which she thought was dry skin. However, a biopsy was done and a tumour was found. Mrs Smart said she was "devastated" by the news and underwent surgery to remove the tumour as well as plastic surgery. "I'm not a proud person or pretty-faced and bothered, but it's my face, and my face is my job as well - I'm a companion for the elderly," she added. "It really worried me that I'm going to be disfigured." Mrs Smart was last week given the all clear, which she said was a huge relief. "I want everybody out there, [to use] factor 50, cover yourself, wear a hat and don't care what you look like, take care of your skin," she said. "The sun is lethal. You don't need to be tanned to be beautiful either, so what if you're pale?" Andrew Lines, 70, from Beccles, Suffolk, was similarly diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer. It all stemmed when he was born with kidney problems, and at the age of 24, he had a transplant from his brother. He was warned by doctors he could have skin problems later down the line, as those who receive transplants are often at higher risk of developing skin cancer due to immunosuppressant medication they take to ensure their body does not reject the new organ. "I was also told after I had the transplant to go out and do all the things I hadn't been able to, and playing cricket was something I really wanted to have a go at," he explained. "I played 15 summers of cricket with not all that great sun protection. "I was told that I should [wear protection], but because I didn't have any issues, I didn't." As he got older, Mr Lines said he noticed his skin becoming thinner while lesions developed. The problem gradually worsened, and then a small lump was found on his head, which was found to be skin cancer. "It's kind of accelerated in the last three years to the point that I've had four issues this year already," he added. Mr Lines has had both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and is currently waiting for the results of a biopsy recently done on his nose. Sun protection is now hugely important for him, and he always ensures he is wearing sun cream as well as hats. "More than anything, it's hit my confidence," he continued. "I love watching cricket, and when the weather is good, I have to think twice about whether I really need to go out because the sun does cause issues with skin cancer." Mr Lines was keen to stress the importance of getting any skin changes checked by a doctor. Cancer Support Suffolk, which attended this week's Suffolk Show offering free skin checks, said there was "a huge, unprecedented" amount of skin cancer in the county. "Statistic wise, the referral rates for suspected skin cancer is going up year-on-year; we're seeing more and more patients each year," a spokesperson said. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'I regret always reaching for the tanning oil' How to spot melanoma AI used for skin cancer checks at London hospital 'A mole smaller than my little fingernail was cancer' NHS - Non-melanoma skin cancer
