Manchester United’s primary focus in the summer window is expected to be the addition of a proven goalscorer and Liam Delap seems to be the primary choice at the moment.
With Ipswich Town relegated back down to the Championship, the 22-year-old is available on a cut-price fee, and Jason Wilcox is pushing for his signature, having worked with the England U21 international during his time at Manchester City.
The Winchester-born striker managed 12 goals and two assists for the Tractor Boys and was a shining light for Kieran McKenna’s side despite their below-par campaign.
His confidence has won the Red Devils hierarchy over, with the former Man City ace confident that he can shine under the glaring spotlight at Old Trafford.
Newcastle enter the race for Liam Delap
Face-to-face talks have taken place with the 20-time English league champions, with Delap preferring a move to United over Chelsea at the moment.
But the Ipswich Town ace wants to play Champions League football next season, and should United triumph in the Europa League final on Wednesday, that will be on offer for Liam Delap.
But should Tottenham Hotspur triumph, United’s hopes could come crashing down and as per Talksport, that is what Newcastle are banking on, having joined the race for the ex-City academy graduate.
“Newcastle are among the clubs due to hold talks with Ipswich’s in-demand striker Liam Delap this week, talkSPORT understands. Eddie Howe’s Champions League hopefuls are one of the clubs who have shown an interest in triggering the England under 21 international’s £30m release clause.
“The former Manchester City youngster would ideally prefer to return to the north west, but will consider a number of factors including the chance to play in Europe next season. Newcastle want to add another striker to their ranks with Callum Wilson expected to leave.
United in pole position for Liam Delap
“Howe knows he faces serious competition for the striker’s signature from Manchester United and Chelsea, all of which could still offer him Champions League football next season. The Red Devils appear to be leading the race for Delap with the striker currently leaning towards a move to Old Trafford.”
Ruben Amorim, is reportedly, not convinced with the Englishman and is pushing for the club to recruit a proven-goalscorer like Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen instead.
Delap has been compared with Rasmus Hojlund, who was also young and full of potential when he joined. After scoring 16 times in his debut season, the Dane has managed a meagre 10 goals this term, with Amorim keen to get rid.
The Nigerian is even open to moving to Old Trafford without Champions League football on offer, even though his wages could prove to be a stumbling block. The Swede, on the other hand, wants a reunion with his former Sporting CP boss only if the three-time Champions League winners win on Wednesday.
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
