Manchester United will reportedly have to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League if their efforts to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap are to succeed.
Delap has been identified as an option for United to bolster a tepid attack that has only managed to score 37 goals in 31 Premier League matches.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Delap is United’s first-choice striker target ahead of the summer transfer window.
Despite Ipswich’s tough season and relegation to the Championship appearing inevitable, Delap has impressed with 12 goals in 30 Premier League appearances.
A £40m price tag has been suggested for the former Manchester City player. While City still hold a £40m buy-back option for Delap, there is no indication that they intend to exercise it at this time.
United are not the only party chasing Delap. He has also been linked to Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Brighton and Hove Albion and Newcastle. He is also thought to have admirers abroad, with the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig interested in his services.
Now, talkSPORT reveal that United may have to lift the Europa League to land Delap as the goalscorer wants to play European football.
The Red Devils are currently 13th in the Premier League, and their only chance of securing European football is through the backdoor, with a route into the Champions League still within reach.
It has been claimed elsewhere that Chelsea, who are in fourth place, are significantly ahead of United in the race for Delap.
The Blues have reportedly been working on a deal to lure the 22-year-old to Stamford Bridge since 2023.
It’s understood that Delap is aware of how much work Chelsea have put in to secure his signature.
United are back in action on Thursday when they go away to Lyon for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST.
Feature image Richard Pelham via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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!
