Delap, currently playing under Kieran McKenna at Ipswich, has impressed this season with 12 goals to his name.

Maresca, who previously worked with Delap during their time at Manchester City, described the 21-year-old as "fantastic" and spoke glowingly of his qualities.

Chelsea, sitting fourth in the Premier League, are keen to bolster their attacking options when the transfer window opens.

Maresca has made it clear he's in search of another forward with a similar profile to Nicolas Jackson, whom he recently labelled a "perfect No. 9."

"In terms of numbers, he's doing fantastic. It's not just in terms of his numbers. The way he plays and fights and is always 'there'. But he's an Ipswich player," said Maresca.

"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."

He added: "To compare Liam [Delap] with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, I think it's a bit early.

"But for sure, in terms of style he's that kind of player. They are all real nines. They are No. 9s inside the box.

"But we also have a good No. 9 [in Jackson]. He's doing well since we started. Unfortunately, we've missed him, and sometimes you need to miss players to realise how important they are for you.

"With Nico, we are a completely different team compared to when he was injured. We are happy with Nico as our striker."

With Ipswich Town languishing 12 points adrift of safety and looking increasingly likely to suffer relegation, Delap could become available for a fee in the region of 30 million pounds - a price Chelsea may consider for a player Maresca clearly admires.

The Chelsea boss's comments have only intensified rumours of a Stamford Bridge switch for Delap, who has shown flashes of real promise in a struggling Ipswich side.

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