Ruben Amorim must have his frontline bolstered this summer. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Manchester United are now considered ‘favourites’ to win the race for their first-choice centre-forward target.
It is, however, far from a surefire deal at this stage, as Liam Delap will have his pick of the bunch when the transfer window rolls around and he completes his expected departure from Ipswich Town.
The England U21 international will cost just £30 million if Ipswich are relegated from the top flight come May, with Kieran McKenna’s men now all but resigned to spending 2025/2026 in the Championship as they sit 14 points from safety.
There is no shortage of interest in Delap, as MailSport claims Arsenal are the only Premier League club to not be actively targeting the Tractor Boys’ talisman. Manchester City have the option of activating the buy-back clause they included in his £20m transfer last July, although they’re said to have no plans to, as things stand.
Liam Delap is quickly becoming one of England’s hottest striker prospects
Delap has notched a hugely respectable 12 goals in 2,368 minutes of league football this term, and you’d put money on his tally increasing in the remaining six fixtures.
The 22-year-old has been deemed something of a ‘Harry Kane heir’ due to his clinical and prolific goalscoring abilities – traits that the Old Trafford faithful are absolutely crying out for in their squad amid Rasmus Hojlund’s stagnant form.
One factor that could hinder United’s proposal is their potential lack of Champions League football next season. Reports have suggested the youngster would be keen on plying his trade in Europe’s elite competition, with the Red Devils now relying solely on winning the Europa League to add their name to the mix.
Other names on INEOS’ shortlist are the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Xavi Simons and, potentially, even Victor Osimhen.
