"In terms of numbers, he's doing fantastic." Maresca said of the 22 year-old. "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.

Chelsea are among a host of clubs known to be tracking Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who has scored 12 goals this season.

Enzo Maresca has poured cold water on rumours linking Chelsea with Liam Delap, insisting the club already have ‘the perfect No.9’ at their disposal in Nicolas Jackson.