We all expected Chelsea to pick a relatively strong team for tonight’s game against LAFC in the Club World Cup, but even then, the fact that Enzo Maresca picked a full first XI was a little

Enzo Maresca hasn’t guaranteed Liam Delap a starting spot for Chelsea but backs the 22-year-old to be England’s number nine of the future.

Chelsea have been told to prepare to spend more than expected if they want to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who is also being tracked by Manchester United

The topic came back to Delap later in the conversation, when an ESPN writer asked what Maresca had told Delap to try and persuade him to join – had he made promises about being first choice (hence getting the number 9 shirt usually reserved for the main striker of a team) or was he in a battle with Nicolas Jackson?

Enzo Maresca backed Liam Delap to be "England's future number nine" following his move to Chelsea. The Blues signed Delap from Ipswich Town for a reported £30m, with the striker signing a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea have had a busy start to the transfer window but were unable to get a deal over the line for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has broken his silence on Chelsea’s attempts to sign Mike Maignan and his current goalkeepers. Blues boss Enzo Maresca has already given his thoughts about new signings Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr who all join his squad out in America for the Club World Cup this summer.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Chelsea will look to bring in a winger to replace Jadon Sancho when the summer transfer window opens again for business.

Enzo Maresca has openly admitted that his Chelsea side are targeting a winger this winter, an admission that could provide a boost to Manchester United’s transfer plans this summer.United are