Manchester United believe Liam Delap prefers a move to Old Trafford despite a host of Premier League clubs vying for the Ipswich Town striker’s signature, according to a report.
Delap, 22, has emerged as one of the hottest transfer targets this summer after a breakout season for the Tractor Boys, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists.
Despite Ipswich joining fellow promoted sides Leicester City and Southampton in instant returns to the Championship through relegation, he has impressed for Keiran McKenna’s side, displaying a well-rounded skillset as a striker in the mould of an old-school number nine.
Delap’s contract at Portman Road contains a £30 million release clause if Ipswich were relegated, which a host of sides, both in England and on the continent, are reported to be interest in triggering.
United’s forward’s struggles in front of goal have produced a debilitating effect on the team this season as the Red Devils are languished in 16th in the Premier League. Only the three promoted sides and Everton have scored fewer goals than Amorim’s team.
Reinforcements in attack are considered a priority by Old Trafford executives this summer with the club seeking to close a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star forward, Matheus Cunha. But United want to combine this with a move for Delap in a two-pronged approach to upgrade Amorim’s forward line.
The 22-year-old striker has emerged as the club’s “first-choice” option up front after moves for targets such as Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen were judged too costly.
But the Red Devils have faced fierce competition from rivals Chelsea and Newcastle with the London side, in particular, pushing hard to sign Delap.
However, United have now received a huge boost ahead of an important summer with executives now believing the 22-year-old wants a switch to Old Trafford over Stamford Bridge.
TBR Football reveals, “technical director, Jason Wilcox, who is heading up the recruitment plans for the club within their new footballing department, has been working hard on a deal to land Delap” and now believes the forward “favours” United over Chelsea.
Delap has previously played in Manchester as part of City’s academy, where Wilcox was an influential figure in bringing him to the Citizens.
And a return to the North West is “clearly an appeal” for the young Englishman with the report revealing it is “part of the reason he is believed to be leaning towards Old Trafford rather than Stamford Bridge.”
Whether it’s finances, geography, or simply the allure of the famous Red shirt, the club’s officials will not focus on why Delap is choosing United over Chelsea; just on the fact they look set to secure the signature of their number one target this summer.
Featured image Stephen Pond via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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.
