Joshua Zirkzee’s injury on Sunday means Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim only has Rasmus Hojlund to call upon as a striking option for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg tie.
In fact, the Dutchman is expected to miss the rest of the season and the Dane will have to play a blinder from now until the end of the season if the club are to end a dismal campaign on a high.
His form does not inspire the most confidence with the former Atalanta ace managing only three Premier League goals all season while his back-to-goal play has regressed.
This is why the Portuguese tactician wants to replace him in the summer with a ruthless finisher with INEOS even open to offering a loan exit with Juventus among the teams interested.
Delap interest
If the Red Devils can win the Europa League, lots of doors could open with regards to recruitment but for now, Liam Delap is the most realistic choice with Ipswich Town’s relegation likely to play into United’s hands.
Chelsea are also eyeing the ex-Manchester City academy starlet and plenty of reports had indicated that the Stamford Bridge side might be favourites.
But The Peoples Person have relayed that United feel confident of winning the race and Teamtalk have revealed the reason behind their source of confidence.
Both clubs have sent in their proposals with United set to pay a higher wage as compared to the Blues who are eyeing more of a staggered payment scheme.
“TEAMtalk sources have informed us of a major breakthrough in Manchester United’s hopes of signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap ahead of the likes of Chelsea and Everton, with one major factor currently to their advantage.
Why United are favourites
“However, at this stage, it’s more of a battle between United and Chelsea that the former have now taken the lead in that particular heavyweight chase.
“Indeed, Chelsea sources have told us that “Man Utd’s package is far more solid” and that the Blues “have been offering a much more staggered deal than them”.
“As stated before, we can also confirm that salary will be an important factor in Delap’s final decision over where he ends up playing next, with the Red Devils out in front in that regard.”
Delap has 12 goals in the Premier League, twice as much as Zirkzee and Hojlund’s goals combined, while also registering two assists.
Despite a difficult season for Kieran McKenna’s men, Delap has stood strong and looks to be destined to join a top club in the summer.
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
