Thursday’s briefing: Liam Delap joins Chelsea as City look at Tijjani Reijnders

Chelsea finally got their man as Liam Delap joined from Ipswich while Manchester City closed in on Tijjani Reijnders as the transfer window warmed up.

Elsewhere, England defender Millie Bright ruled herself out of Euro 2025 contention.

Chelsea sign Delap

Chelsea signed striker Delap on a deal until 2031 after triggering his £30million release clause.

An agreement was reached between the clubs last week for the England Under-21 international, who became the Blues’ first summer signing and is eligible for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States.

The 22-year-old said on the club’s official website: “It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”

Reijnders to join City

City have agreed a 55million euros (approximately £46million) fee with AC Milan for 26-year-old Dutch midfielder Reijnders, who has agreed a five-year contract to move to the Premier League.

The formalities of the deal are still to be completed but it appears City have landed their first major summer signing.

United trying for Mbeumo

Manchester United are ready to step up interest in Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, the PA news agency understands.

The Red Devils have wasted little time starting Ruben Amorim’s rebuild after the club’s worst top-flight season in 51 years was compounded by their costly Europa League final loss to Tottenham.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha’s £62.5million move to Old Trafford is to be completed after international duty, with him joining on a five-year deal with an option for another season.

PA understands Cameroon international Mbeumo, 25, has expressed a desire to move to Old Trafford over other options and there has been informal contact between clubs.

Bright walks away from England

Chelsea defender Bright has withdrawn from selection for this summer’s European Championship, saying she is “not able to give 100 per cent mentally or physically” to England’s title defence.

The 31-year-old captained the Lionesses to their first World Cup final in 2023 but has pulled out of Sarina Wiegman’s squad for their final Nations League encounters for an “extended period of recovery”.

The Blues captain posted on Instagram: “This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. My pride and ego tells me to go, but I think the team and the fans deserve more. Right now I am not able to give 100 per cent mentally or physically.”

She is the third England player to withdraw from the squad in the last 10 days, following the retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby.

What’s on today?

Spain and France face each other in the second Nations League semi-final to decide who will face Portugal in Sunday’s final.