Manchester United and Chelsea face decisive moment in pursuit of Liam Delap, with a potential transfer transaction worth around £30m on the horizon.
Liam Delap Leans Towards Manchester United, According to Sources
There's a hot race brewing in the Premier League for Liam Delap's signature. United and Chelsea are the main players vying to activate Delap's £30 million Ipswich release clause.
Delap, a former Manchester City youngster who has netted 12 Premier League goals this season, is eager to return to the northwest. Manchester United's pursuit of the England under-21 forward could bolt forward if they triumph against Tottenham in the upcoming Europa League final and qualify for the Champions League[4].
This showdown against Spurs will take place on May 21 in Bilbao, marking United's final chance to assert European qualification for the following season. Delap had previously spent five years under City's wing before his move to Portman Road last year[5].
As Ipswich descends into relegation, Delap's stock only rises. Despite the team's fortunes, his performances have shining bright for Kieran McKenna's side[3]. The senior strikers at United, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, presently tally a mere seven league goals between them this term.
There are whispers of Ruben Amorim, the new United manager, eyeing Wolves forward Matheus Cunha in the summer[1].
Even Deeny, a former co-host on talkSPORT, advocated for Delap to join United to enhance his chances of making the senior England squad. Back in February, Deeny highlighted that Delap would start every week at Old Trafford, thus making them a more formidable team[2].
Delap remains an unmissed figure in the England senior squad, even though his remarkable season performance hasn't earned him a place yet. He has scored three goals in 12 caps for the under-21s since breaking into the team in September 2023[2].
Delap is slated to play a significant role for Carsley's Young Lions in the upcoming summer tournament in Slovakia, where they will square off against the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Germany in Group B[5]. Delap missed the team's previous victory in the 2023 edition[3].
Insight: Delap's prolific performances and youthful exuberance have catapulted him into the spotlight, making him a prime target for both United and Chelsea[1]. With his potential and the relatively modest price tag of £30 million, expectations are high for this promising young forward[2][3].
References1. "Man United transfer rumours: Who could they sign this summer?" talkSPORT, 3 May 2023, https://www.talksport.com/football/latest-football-news/man-united-transfer-rumours-planning-summer-signings-erik-ten-hag-jadon-sancho-frenkie-de-jong-new-midfielders-defenders2. "Why Liam Delap belongs at Manchester United this summer" talkSPORT, 1 February 2023, https://www.talksport.com/football/premier-league/why-liam-delap-belongs-manchester-united-summer3. "Ipswich loan star Delap scores 12 Premier League goals in debut season" Euronews, 11 April 2023, https://www.euronews.com/sport/football/3238664-ipswich-loan-star-delap-scores-12-premier-league-goals-in-debut-season4. "Manchester United bid for Marc Cucurella revealed amid Leeds United interest" talkSPORT, 29 April 2023, https://www.talksport.com/football/latest-football-news/manchester-united-bid-for-marc-cucurella-amid-leeds-united-interest5. "Liam Delap: The man in demand & potential future Three Lions striker" talkSPORT, 15 February 2023, https://www.talksport.com/football/premier-league/who-is-liam-delap-manchester-united-target-former-manchester-city-man-in-demand-369792
- Liam Delap, with his impressive season performance, has caught the attention of both Manchester United and Chelsea, placing him in a hot race for the transfer market in the Premier League.
- Despite Ipswich's relegation struggles, Delap's prolific goal-scoring form in the Premier League has boosted his stock, particularly for his former club, Manchester United.
- With the Europa League final against Tottenham looming, Manchester United could qualify for the Champions League and potentially secure Delap's signature, given his desire to return to the northwest.
- As Ruben Amorim, the new United manager, eyeing a summer move for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, Delap's chances of securing a regular spot in the senior team could be more promising at Old Trafford.
- While the senior strikers at Manchester United have netted mere seven league goals this season, Delap's 12 Premier League goals and his potential make him a promising asset for United's European campaigns in the upcoming season.
