“They put…” David Ornstein confirms Man City can ‘scupper’ Manchester United deal for bargain striker

David Ornstein has confirmed that Manchester City may look to scupper Manchester United’s potential for a bargain striker this summer.

Rúben Amorim’s era at Manchester United is beginning to take shape, with the 39-year-old getting to grips with his squad.

Weeks of training under Amorim have allowed the players to adjust to his 3-4-3 system, while the coach is learning more about the strengths and weaknesses of his team.

Read More: Rasmus Højlund reveals true thoughts on Viktor Gyökeres comparisons with defiant six-word message

United are also laying the groundwork for their 2025 transfer plans, focusing on the summer window due to a restricted budget for January.

Although Amorim is heavily involved in identifying key positions to strengthen, the recruitment process is being spearheaded by sporting director Dan Ashworth and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.

City’s potential scupper

According to The Athletic, United are one of many clubs monitoring Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap after his fantastic start to life in the Premier League after he signed for the Tractor Boys from Manchester City for around £15 million.

However, transfer specialist David Ornstein has explained that City may look to scupper any approach from other clubs due to a clause they likely have inserted in the contract when Delap was sold.

“Suitors across the division are watching Delap closely,” Ornstein explained. “Some attended Ipswich’s draw against Manchester United on Sunday.

“If Delap continues to perform at or above recent levels, there is an expectation he will join one of the Premier League’s so-called ‘Big Six’. His admirers include Chelsea and Manchester United.

“However, City could technically scupper any move elsewhere. They put matching rights or buy-back clauses in most sales.

“Ipswich will want to keep hold of Delap but might struggle to do so, whether or not they stay in the top flight this season. However, that would have an impact on any potential fee for the striker.”

While Ipswich will likely demand more than the £15 million they signed Delap for in the summer, the 21-year-old is viewed by many as a bargain option that could become a fantastic marksman in the coming years.

Amorim addresses striker links

Links with Delap come after comments were made surrounding United’s lack of goals—reports suggest they want to sign a new striker in the summer. Speaking on Wednesday, Amorim was asked if he is concerned with the lack of goals this season.

“Of course, there is a concern in that [we are not scoring a lot of goals],” began the 39-year-old, “but I think we have to improve as a team because we have quality players that can score so many goals.

“You could feel it in the second half [against Ipswich]. We controlled the possession of the ball, but we were not dangerous. Maybe because we spent the week trying to work on build-up, and then the rest was not working.

“So we’ll try to improve as a team, and Rasmus [Højlund] and Josh [Zirkzee] and Rash [Rashford] will score more goals. Even Bruno has to score more. Amad has to be better near the goal. We can score so many goals.

“You are trying to [find out] if I need a new striker to score goals. But we need to improve as a team, and these players can score more goals.”

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