Manchester United’s Transfer Plans Revealed: Red Devils Eyeing Ipswich Star Liam Delap in £40m Deal
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Manchester United are reportedly planning to make a move for Ipswich striker Liam Delap this summer, with the 21-year-old seen as the perfect addition to their forward line. According to The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell, Delap is a genuine target for the Red Devils, with technical director Jason Wilcox having previously worked with the player during his time at Manchester City.
The Red Devils have struggled for goals in the Premier League this season, scoring just 37 times in 31 matches, a tally that is only better than five other sides. This has led to reports that United are planning to splash out on a new striker, with Delap emerging as a top target. As noted by Team Talk, Delap has scored 12 Premier League goals this season, making him an attractive option for United.
Delap’s Rise to Prominence
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Delap has had a remarkable rise to prominence, joining Manchester City’s academy in 2019 at the age of 16 after 10 years at Derby County, where his dad Rory previously played. He scored just 18 minutes into his senior debut for City in an EFL Cup win over Bournemouth in September 2021 and made his Premier League bow just three days later. After a succession of injuries, Delap made his Champions League debut for City at Sporting in February 2022, coming on for Bernardo Silva in a 5-0 win.
In an interview with The Athletic, Whitwell revealed that Delap is a genuine link for United, with Wilcox having previously worked with the player during his time at Manchester City. “Delap is someone who is a genuine link,” Whitwell said. “Wilcox had him when Manchester City signed him from Derby County as a young player, so that is something that they could explore, and that’s something that could make sense financially because I believe Delap has a relegation release clause.”
United’s interest in Delap is said to be driven by the player’s release clause, which is reported to be around £40m. This is seen as a palpable amount for a 22-year-old who has already scored 28 goals in his career. As noted by Team Talk, Delap has scored eight times in 32 outings for Hull City during a loan spell in the 2023/24 campaign and has continued to impress for Ipswich this season.
United’s Double Deal
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United are reportedly planning to make a double deal for Delap and Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian player capable of playing up front or as a No.10. According to reports, United have stepped up talks for Cunha’s signing from Wolves after scheduling talks with his agent and with the Red Devils well aware of the player’s wish to play at a higher level and with a £62.5m exit clause potentially facilitating a move.
If both players were to sign, United would potentially need to fork out a combined £102.5m for the pair, with Delap free to leave Ipswich for £40m this summer. As noted by Team Talk, Amorim has been warned he needs at least five new signings this summer to transform United’s fortunes, with Gary Neville naming five players – including the Portuguese’s first addition at Old Trafford – as “not good enough”.
Delap’s impressive form has seen him leap to the top of United’s agenda this summer, with more costly options in Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres fading from the picture. According to Team Talk, United had drawn up a four-man shortlist, with Osimhen, Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko all being considered.
United’s Financial Constraints
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With finances tight at Old Trafford this summer and with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe having to keep a very close eye on their finances, a move for Delap suddenly looks the most favoured option. As noted by Team Talk, Delap’s potential signing would be driven by player sales, with Marcus Rashford’s potential sale set to boost United’s transfer kitty.
The Red Devils are said to be aware of Delap’s wish to play at a higher level, and with a £40m release clause in his contract, United may look to take advantage of this. As noted by Laurie Whitwell, “I wonder if he’s setting his sights on a team that’s definitely in the Champions League and can compete for titles.”
Cunha and Delap to Bolster United’s Attack
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Rio Ferdinand has previously advised United to sign two players to bolster their forward line this summer, with Cunha and Delap emerging as top targets. United have grown increasingly confident about signing Cunha, with the Brazilian player having expressed a desire to play at a higher level.
As noted by Team Talk, United’s technical director Jason Wilcox has previously worked with Delap during his time at Manchester City, which could make the move more financially viable for the Red Devils.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s plans to sign Liam Delap this summer have been described as ‘genuine’ by an informed journalist. With the Red Devils looking to bolster their forward line, Delap has emerged as a top target, with a £40m release clause making him an attractive option. As noted by Team Talk, United are reportedly planning to make a move for Delap as part of a planned double £102.5m deal to reinvigorate their attack.
References:
Source: Team Talk
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