Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has reportedly decided to snub Manchester United in favour of completing a move to Chelsea.
Delap has been identified as a primary target for United to bolster an attacking department that ended the 2024/25 Premier League season with a derisory 44 goals and an embarrassing -10 goal difference.
The striker position has been a problem for United, with Rasmus Hojlund enduring another difficult campaign, in which he proved he cannot be relied upon to lead the line for the club. Hojlund managed just four goals in 32 top-flight appearances.
Delap, in comparison, notched an impressive 12 goals for Ipswich, having signed for the club last year. The England youth international came through the ranks at Manchester City when United technical director Jason Wilcox was the club’s academy director.
In addition to United, Delap has been heavily linked with Chelsea, Everton, and Newcastle. However, it’s understood that United and Chelsea have consistently been his preferred transfer destinations.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United reached an agreement over personal terms with the 22-year-old. This came after he held face-to-face talks with the Red Devils.
More recently, it was stated that United were growing optimistic about their prospects of winning the race for Delap’s signature but now, a fresh update has been provided, indicating the player is on his way to Chelsea.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs, Delap has “given the green light” to a switch to Stamford Bridge.
It’s understood Chelsea are growing confident that he will sign for them.
Crook and Jacobs add, “Delap was believed to be leaning towards a switch to United but Chelsea have the trump card of being able to offer Champions League football.”
United will of course be without European football next term following last week’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
If this latest information is accurate, it seems United may have to shift their focus and explore alternative options in their search for a new and reliable striker.
Featured image Stephen Pond via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
