“Discussions last week”: Amorim has identified his “prime target” to fix United’s attack but City stand in their way – report

Manchester United need a striker desperately with Ruben Amorim forced to play Kobbie Mainoo up top against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The huge selection gamble was necessitated due to Rasmus Hojlund’s poor form with the Dane not scoring in 12 games prior. Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has fared little better.

The head coach kept both of them, brought for a combined £100.5 million, on the bench in a clear message to INEOS to try and strengthen the attack.

The new co-owners have already failed in their pursuit of Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich over their demand for making it a permanent switch while deals for Leon Bailey and Christopher Nkunku have also come to nought.

Delap identified as a “prime target”

The United recruitment team are at panic stations at the moment as seen from their late call to Juventus for Dusan Vlahovic.

Whether that can materialise remains to be seen but the Red Devils have also joined the race for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as per Express.

Despite the Tractor Boys’ struggles in the Premier League, the 21-year-old has excelled, netting nine goals while also registering two assists so far.

And United held a meeting about potential striker recruits and the England U21 international was identified as a “prime target”. Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada know all about him having worked at Manchester City before.

With Ipswich looking likely to get relegated, the 20-time English league champions could potentially get him on the cheap but cross-town rivals Manchester City could have the last laugh.

They hold a buyback clause worth £29.5million and could activate it and sell him to another club just to thwart the Red Devils.

City could thwart United

“Manchester United have entered the fray for Ipswich’s sought-after striker Liam Delap. However, United’s pursuit of the Ipswich forward could be thwarted by their city rivals.

The Red Devils’ transfer committee, under the guidance of boss Ruben Amorim, has identified Delap as a prime target following discussions last week.

“The reigning Premier League champions hold a £29.5million buy-back clause on Delap and might choose to activate it, even if only to sell him on for a profit.”

Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are all interested in Delap and while a January window move is unlikely, the summer race looks to be heating up.

Feature image Stephen Pond via Getty Images

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