Everton have “made their pitch” to Liam Delap after the 22-year-old striker – who has emerged as Manchester United’s first-choice target up front – spoke to Old Trafford officials earlier this week, according to a report.
The Times reveals Everton hope to win the red-hot race for Delap after the England U-21 international travelled to Merseyside to speak with the Toffees.
David Moyes, who was chosen by Sir Alex Ferguson to replace him as United manager, returned to the dugout at Goodison Park in January to take over from Sean Dyche.
The Scottish manager has enjoyed a stellar campaign with his old club as he comfortably steered them to safety from the relegation zone.
Moyes has identified Delap – Ipswich Town’s striker with 12 goals in the Premier League this season – as a key target to help him continue his rebuild of an aging Everton squad.
But Delap is being closely tracked by England’s biggest clubs, with United, Chelsea, and Newcastle all strongly linked with moves for the 22-year-old. He has already met with United for “face-to-face talks” over a prospective switch to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have identified Delap as their primary target for a new number nine as the £30 million relegation clause in his contract at Portman Road offers an affordable deal at a time that finances are stretched at the club.
The Europa League final loss will not prevent their ability to fund a deal, while United also look to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Matheus Cunha in addition to Delap.
Moyes admits the allure of playing for one of the country’s giants will prove difficult for Everton to compete with but the Scot retains hope the prospect of regular minutes will attract Delap.
“We have had a chance to speak to him,” Moyes stated on Friday.
“He’s spoken to three or four clubs and he’s given us the opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball, but you never know what happens.”
The prospect of playing in the Champions League is likely to be an important consideration for Delap, suggesting Chelsea and Newcastle may hold the lead in the race, depending on the final round of Premier League fixtures this weekend.
Featured image Stephen Pond via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
