The Athletic writer expects one INEOS target to be on the move. (Photo via The Athletic YouTube channel)
David Ornstein has provided Manchester United fans with a welcome update on one transfer target.
For several weeks have the Red Devils been linked with Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, and now, the transfer expert has confirmed that they will be among the mix in pursuit of his signature when the window opens.
The Old Trafford faithful won’t feel as though the summer is a success unless a prolific goalscorer is sought for Ruben Amorim. INEOS are also thought to share the sentiment, despite over £100 million being shelled out on two forwards – Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund – in the last two years; the latter signed after their arrival.
To make things easier for the clubs targeting Delap, they know exactly how much they’ll have to fork out, as he has a £40 million release clause included in his contract in the event Ipswich, who sit 18th-placed and nine points away from safety, are relegated come May.
Delap will have his pick of suitors this summer
Such a fee allows the Tractor Boys to make a straight £20m profit on the £20m they paid for him last summer. The centre-forward left Manchester City after making only six senior appearances, making it all the more impressive that he’s notched 11 goals in his maiden top-flight campaign as a regular starter thus far.
City retain the option of activating their buy-back clause, although Delap would presumably be unwilling to see a return to the Etihad, where he’d be playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland, as a suitable next step in his career.
On the other hand, leading the line for United while they continue their rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Amorim’s guidance may pose a lucrative option. He could well put a definitive end to the side’s longstanding woes in front of goal, and for a young striker looking to make a name for himself in Europe, that’d certainly be one way to do it.
Previously categorised as ‘the next Harry Kane’, it’s thought Delap will be one of the major transfer sagas of the summer – and Ornstein anticipates he’ll be bidding farewell to Portman Road.
“I expect him to move, with Chelsea and Manchester United among his many suitors,” said the journalist in The Athletic’s Q&A.
