Striker Liam Delap - linked with Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United - could stay at Ipswich Town next season, says manager Kieran McKenna

Star striker Liam Delap could yet stay at Ipswich Town in the Championship next season.

Speculation over 12-goal Delap’s future has increased in recent days after news of a £30million relegation release clause was revealed.

While that may seem a small price to pay for the highly-rated forward, there is still the possibility he could remain at Portman Road, according to boss Kieran McKenna.

“It's not something that's been discussed loads internally at the moment because everyone's focus honestly has been on Bournemouth, on Wolves, now on Chelsea,” said McKenna on the 22-year-old.

“But if you ask me, is that a possibility? I think it's certainly a possibility.

”Liam's a young striker, he's developing really well at the football club. He's happy and he's improving every week and we're enjoying working with him.

“I'm sure there's lots of different possibilities. But Liam's an Ipswich player, he enjoys being an Ipswich player and that's where his full focus is.”

McKenna, however, did concede that there will be plenty of potential suitors interested in the forward.

In fact, he’d be more surprised if there wasn’t interest from clubs and believes Delap will only get better in the years to come.

“I think there's been chat about Liam all season,” admitted the Ipswich boss.

“If there hadn't been, it would be very unusual. I think he's done fantastically well. As I've said before, there's very few like him in world football and he's only going to get better.

“So, if there wasn't a lot of chat, if there wasn't a lot of clubs linked with him, if there wasn't a lot of clubs interested, then I'd be questioning the sanity of all the other clubs.

“Liam's very happy here, he's developing well and that's where his focus is. He picked up a really heavy knock on Saturday in the game, so he's missed some training this week.

“But I know his full focus is in getting ready to help the team and help the team in the last seven games.”

Delap joined Ipswich in the summer from Manchester City in a deal worth an initial £ 15 million.

He’s been linked with virtually every big club going, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United.