Manchester United have made Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap their top striker target for the summer transfer window, according to reports from the Daily Mail. The Red Devils are said to be keen on signing the 22-year-old England Under-21 striker, who has been in impressive form for Ipswich Town this season, scoring 12 Premier League goals despite the team’s struggles.
The Daily Mail understands that Manchester United are prepared to trigger Delap’s release clause of around £40million if Ipswich Town are relegated from the Premier League. This move would see Delap become the club’s primary striker target, ahead of other potential signings such as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyokeres.
Manchester City, Delap’s parent club, have a buyback option in the £20m deal that saw him leave the Etihad for Portman Road last summer, which is also believed to be around £40m. However, it’s understood that City are unlikely to re-sign him, and Delap wants regular first-team football, which he would struggle to get with Erling Haaland well established as first-choice.
The Daily Mail reports that United’s technical director Jason Wilcox knows Delap from their time together at City, which could give them an advantage in the pursuit of the young striker. However, they still face fierce competition from Chelsea, Newcastle, and Liverpool, as well as strong interest from several clubs abroad.
Manchester United’s need for a top-class striker was highlighted in their goalless draw with Manchester City at Old Trafford, which exposed their struggles in the attacking third this season. The club has been linked with several strikers, including Osimhen, who could be available as part of a deal that would see Alejandro Garnacho sold to Napoli.
According to the Daily Mail, United could also use Rasmus Hojlund as a makeweight in a potential deal for Delap. The Dane played in Serie A before moving to Old Trafford from Atalanta. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be looking to bolster his attacking options this summer, and Delap is believed to be at the top of his wishlist.
The Daily Mail quotes sources close to the club who suggest that Delap’s impressive form for Ipswich Town has alerted several top clubs, and a deal is likely to be complex and involve several variables. Manchester United will have to navigate Financial Fair Play regulations, as well as fend off competition from several other clubs, to sign Delap this summer.
Manchester United’s interest in Delap has been reported by the Daily Mail, who state that he is now their number one target. As the transfer window heats up, clubs across Europe will be looking to secure top talent, and Delap is likely to be one of the most sought-after strikers this summer.
The England Under-21 international has been in excellent form for Ipswich Town, netting 12 goals in the Premier League so far this season. This form has not gone unnoticed, and several top clubs are now chasing his signature. United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, has knowledge of Delap from his time at Manchester City.
Manchester United are not the only club interested in signing Delap, as Chelsea, Newcastle, and Liverpool are also said to be keen. With several clubs interested in signing Delap, Manchester United may have to move quickly to secure his services.
The Red Devils are thought to have been monitoring Delap’s progress closely, given his rise to prominence in the Ipswich Town first team. Delap’s release clause of around £40million will likely be a significant factor in any potential deal.
As Manchester United look to improve their attacking options, Delap remains their top target, and they are prepared to pay the required fee to sign him.
The club’s potential move for Delap comes as they seek to bolster their squad for next season, after a difficult campaign in the attacking third. Manager Erik ten Hag will be looking to reinforce his team and Delap’s name is at the top of his wishlist.
Delap has a number of suitors and Manchester United will face stiff competition to land him but according to the Daily Mail, they hold an advantage over their rivals.
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