Manchester United are desperate to recruit a proven goalscorer in the summer after seeing Rasmus Hojlund’s dismal performances this season.
Goals have been hard to come by and that is why the Red Devils are languishing in 14th position in the Premier League with the Dane netting only thrice.
Ruben Amorim is fed up with the 22-year-old and INEOS also want him gone, even if on loan. Multiple swap deal options are also on the club’s table.
But the co-owners seem to be fixated on Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who has 12 goals and two assists this season in the Premier League.
Delap chase
What has impressed United the most is the player’s confidence and his displays despite the Tractor Boys being destined for the drop.
Relegation will allow the Red Devils to land their man on the cheap but a lot of clubs are interested in the former Manchester City starlet.
Givemesport have claimed that Chelsea are quietly confident of winning the race for the 22-year-old as they have had him on their radar for longer and Enzo Maresca’s relation with the player could hold the key.
“Manchester United are being made to wait on whether Ipswich Town star Liam Delap sees them as his next club, at a time when Chelsea are quietly confident the deal is already swinging in their favour.
Chelsea in pole position
“Chelsea have had Delap on their radar longer than Manchester United, and internally they believe they have got the edge. Their early interest shows clear, defined strategy and boss Enzo Maresca is keen on the deal, having known him from their time at Manchester City.”
His relatively low cost, affordable wages and resale value makes him the perfect fit for both clubs with INEOS focussing on young, Premier League-proven stars instead of spending big-money to bring in mercenaries like in the past.
Whether the 20-time English league champions can stave off competition from the Blues for the England U21 international remains to be seen.
More affordable options like Jean-Philippe Mateta are also on the club’s radar while Europa League success could open the doors to a possible deal for Victor Osimhen.
Feature image Richard Pelham via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
