INEOS have set their sights on a first-choice centre-forward target to finally put a definitive end to Manchester United’s striker woes.
It comes after two consecutive summers of bolstering the position with Rasmus Hojlund (initial £64 million) and Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5m), albeit the former was pre-Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover.
Zirkzee has admitted himself that he is not a typical No.9 and instead views himself as something of a 9.5 due to his desire to drop back and aid the side’s link-up play. However, that’s not to say he shouldn’t be doing considerably more in front of goal, having only scored three times in 31 Premier League games this season.
As for Hojlund, he has frequently come under the microscope this season over his substandard showings. It’s now his second year in England, hence fans demanding considerably more from their big-money signing.
Liam Delap takes the No.1 spot for INEOS in striker search
According to ESPN, the Red Devils’ key decision-makers have placed Liam Delap atop their transfer shortlist ‘ahead of Viktor Gyokeres’, as well as above the likes of Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko.
It’s not really a surprise, either. The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the hottest prospects in Europe following a stellar term leading the line for Ipswich Town, making him a relatively safe bet to continue his fine form at Old Trafford.
Delap netted the opener in the Tractor Boys’ eventual loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday to mark his 12th goal in 2024/2025. The result extended Wolves’ advantage over 18th-placed Ipswich to a whopping 12 points, all but conforming Kieran McKenna’s men will be dropping back down to the Championship in the coming weeks.
In turn, Delap will be available for a fee of £40m due to a relegation clause included in the contract he signed upon his £20m transfer from Manchester City last July.
Mark Ogden’s report adds that United ‘will rival Chelsea’ in the race, which may take some convincing if the Blues seal Champions League qualification. That being said, one look at their brimming squad would make any player question how significant of a role they’d play, especially with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku vying for the starting spot.
