Man Utd expected to hold ‘further discussions’ over forward with nine league goals this season, but City could ruin Ruben Amorim’s plans

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Despite being linked with multiple players, Manchester United experienced a quiet January transfer window in the end.

Ruben Amorim has inherited a squad full of mismatch players — very few fit his system and style of play. It is for this reason the United manager has been keen to make new signings.

Patrick Dorgu was United’s only major signing in the mid-season window. Youngster Ayden Heaven also joined from Arsenal but isn’t expected to play a major role.

Consequently, looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Amorim is keen to add to his attacking options.

READ: 86 touches, nine recoveries… Man Utd sent firm reminder of who their top summer target should be

Man United interested in breakout Premier League striker

Having allowed Marcus Rashford to join Aston Villa and Antony to join Real Betis — both on loan until the end of the season — United now lack firepower in forward positions.

Neither player really has a future under Amorim at Old Trafford though, so their departures won’t be dwelled on, and it could also open the door for a new, younger, more hungrier player to sign.

According to the The Athletic, United have held talks over Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and could continue those discussions between now and the end of the campaign.

The 22-year-old has had an excellent first season in the Premier League and is unsurprisingly attracting some high-profile interest.

He is contracted to the Tractor Boys until 2029 but would likely be a more attainable target than the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who has a £84 million (€100 million) release clause.

Manchester City could make things difficult

Ipswich Town look like a sure bet to be relegated back to the Championship.

Kieran McKenna’s side are 19th in the Premier League table, and in a three-way shootout with Wolves and Leicester City for just one safety spot.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
17	WolvesWolves	24	5	4	15	34	52	-18	19
18	LeicesterLeicester	24	4	5	15	25	53	-28	17
19	IpswichIpswich	24	3	7	14	22	49	-27	16

Should the Tractor Boys end up relegated, Delap’s price will inevitably come down, however, former club Manchester City successfully negotiated a £40 million buyback clause in the striker’s contract.

Although Pep Guardiola is unlikely to want to sign Delap for himself, the favourable clause will put the Citizens in the driving seat when it comes to scuppering their rivals transfer plans.

Chelsea are also interested in the Winchester-born striker.