Ipswich Town Forward Liam Delap Given Permission to Explore Transfer Options
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Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed that forward Liam Delap has been given permission to explore his options for next season and speak to other clubs. The 22-year-old, who joined the Tractor Boys from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £20m last summer, is expected to leave the club following their relegation back to the Championship after just one campaign in the Premier League.
According to the BBC, Delap has a £30m relegation release clause in his contract, while Manchester City also hold a buy-back option. The England Under-21 international has been linked with a move to several top clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle.
“Liam’s looking at his options for next year, which I think he is entitled to do and we support him with that,” said McKenna, as quoted by the BBC. “I think we have given him permission to do that this week. It’s a very important decision for his future. Of course there is a lot of interest – and rightly so. I think part of his week has been having some of those conversations.”
McKenna believes that it is likely that Delap will move on this summer, with interest from numerous clubs. “It looks more likely than not that he will move on this summer and he has interest from pretty much every club in the league, and I don’t think there are many clubs in the world who wouldn’t want to have him,” he added. “Nothing is sorted, nothing is done or completed or even very, very, very close, so that process will take its course.”
As reported by the BBC, Delap will look to add to his 12 goals in 36 Premier League appearances when Ipswich host West Ham on Sunday. However, no other Ipswich player has got close to double figures in the top flight with the club’s swift return to the second tier confirmed in April.
McKenna is proud of Delap’s contribution to the team this season and is hopeful that if he does move on, it will be a positive sign for the club. “We will be proud of the part that we have had in terms of Liam’s development and his contribution this season,” he said. “If he stays with us, we will be delighted, and if he moves on this summer, it will be a positive sign for the club to have developed and sold a player at that sort of level and hopefully it will be a good move for him as well.”
In other news, McKenna confirmed that midfielder Massimo Luongo will leave Portman Road this summer when his contract expires. However, talks are ongoing with defenders Cameron Burgess and Axel Tuanzebe over possible extensions, as reported by the BBC. The Ipswich manager will be looking to rebuild his squad ahead of next season, with the club looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.
The future of Liam Delap is set to be a major talking point in the coming weeks, with several top clubs interested in signing the young forward. As reported by the BBC, Ipswich Town will be hoping to secure a good deal for their star player, who has been instrumental in the team’s performances this season.
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