Manchester United continue to be linked with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as the answer to their striker problem.
At the very top of Ineos’ to-do list this summer it reads – ‘buy a new centre-forward’. Manchester United have struggled to score goals this season with Rasmus Hojlund falling short of expectations.
Joshua Zirkzee has improved and become a fan favourite at Old Trafford, but he seems to be at his best when dropped back into a No.10 position.
Ineos have no option but to splash the cash on an established striker this summer and Victor Osimhen is United’s ‘dream’ target.
However, there are concerns that Osimhen is headed for Saudi Arabia and Viktor Gyokeres could join Arsenal. Ineos could therefore look for a slightly younger and Premier League-proven striker – Liam Delap fits the bill.
Liam Delap has two ‘elite’ characteristics amid Man United links
Ipswich Town are headed for relegation this season and that means Delap will be available for just £30m in the summer due to a release clause in his contract.
The 22-year-old striker has been impressive for Kieran McKenna’s side, scoring 12 goals in his Premier League debut season. It has attracted interest from at least half of the top-flight clubs.
According to The Athletic, there are as many as 10 Premier League clubs chasing Delap’s signature this summer but interest from United and Chelsea is considered “serious”.
The report adds that insiders at Ipswich speak about Delap having “self-assurance and work ethic” that is found in “elite” forwards.
They are certainly two traits that are needed to succeed under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Amorim wants players to “run like mad dogs” in an attempt to up the intensity and physicality of this United squad – Delap has the athleticism to thrive in the Portuguese’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Man United signing Liam Delap would be a huge risk
So far, Ineos have been flawless with recruitment after shifting United’s strategy to signing young and upcoming players.
However, the risk attached to that strategy is that young players will need time to settle and are often inconsistent during their rise to stardom.
United gambled by signing a young Rasmus Hojlund and now it has been decided that there has been far too much pressure and responsibility put on his shoulders.
At 22, Delap is the same age as Hojlund so United would still lack a senior striker in their squad. In contrast, spending more on the likes of Osimhen or Gyokeres would guarantee Amorim an experienced hitman up front.
Delap does have the advantage of having impressed in the Premier League, but it was still his first top-flight campaign and there is no guarantee he can replicate that if he makes the move to Old Trafford.
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