Liam Delap continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United as the Reds struggle to score goals in the Premier League.
Manchester United suffered a 2-0 defeat against West Ham on Sunday. It was their 17th defeat in the Premier League this season, and it showed that there isn’t enough squad depth at the club.
Ruben Amorim is trying to keep his key players fit and ready for the Europa League final, which is nine days away, so United’s head coach can be excused for wanting to risk his players in league matches with nothing to play for.
One red flag, however, is the shortage of strikers. Rasmus Hojlund was desperate again, trying to lead the line, but Amorim was hoping he could build on his goal in United’s 4-1 win over Athletic Club.
Joshua Zirkzee’s season-ending injury means that Chido Obi is the only alternative striker available to Amorim, but the young Dane is not available for the Europa League final due to ineligibility.
Liam Delap has Manchester United transfer preference
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been heavily linked with United and Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window.
The young English centre-forward has become one of the youngest strikers in the Premier League to impress, with a record of 12 goals and two assists in 35 league appearances this season.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 38 | 12 | 2 |
Delap has become a United target, despite Kieran McKenna’s failed attempts to keep Ipswich Town in the top-flight.
With that, United could be set for a tug-of-war to sign Delap in the summer, should Chelsea intensify their interest.
But it bodes well that the Ipswich striker has a preference move back to Manchester, where he previously lived during his time at Man City’s academy.
Speaking to United in Focus, Graeme Bailey has delivered an update on Delap’s potential summer move to Old Trafford, despite interest from Chelsea.
“I am told that as it stands Delap favours a move back North with Manchester United.
“He moved to Manchester as a 16-year-old when he left Derby County for Manchester City’s academy but he still has close ties to the area.
“It is understood that at this point it is a two-way battle between United and Chelsea, they are the two sides who have been pushing hardest. Delap has huge respect for Chelsea with Enzo Maresca, but the lure of United is strong. Jason Wilcox is playing a major role in this.
“United’s footballing department led by Wilcox, along with Omar Berrada and both of whom know the player well from their time at City, favour a move for Delap over a move for a more experienced and costly striker.
“United have done work on the likes of Osimhen, Gyokeres and Mateta in recent months with head coach Ruben Amorim underlining his belief they need a new no 9 to lead their line.
“United, who have a deal for Matheus Cunha almost complete, are now making progress with a deal for Delap – who can leave Ipswich for £30million and the fee for him is another major reason that United believe he is right for them. Huge potential at a great price.”
Jason Wilcox influence behind Liam Delap move
As head of United’s footballing department, Jason Wilcox will have a hand to play in every transfer that arrives at the club, but it will be interesting to see how he can influence a Premier League prospect like Delap.
Ineos are not falling for old mistakes and throwing ridiculous money at players to join an underperforming side. They have tasked their chiefs with finding the best young players to take United to the top level, as we saw last summer when Leny Yoro joined from Lille.
Another big player at United is Christopher Vivell, but Wilcox has known Delap for a long time.
Wilcox was part of the City hierarchy that brought Delap to the club from Derby County in 2019.
Only time will tell if Wilcox is part of signing Delap for a second time.
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