Man City have seemingly handed Manchester United the green like to sign a “monster” player who is touted as Rúben Amorim’s No. 1 forward target this summer.
Manchester United have struggled to find a consistent goal threat in recent seasons, a problem that continues to hinder their progress.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have been the only reliable sources of goals, with Rashford scoring 30 in the 2022/23 season.
But with the England international set to leave following his loan at Aston Villa, and Fernandes now playing a deeper role under Rúben Amorim, doubts are growing over the strength of United’s forward line.
Rasmus Højlund has shown potential but still looks too inexperienced to shoulder the responsibility of being the main striker. Joshua Zirkzee, on the other hand, is more effective when operating behind a traditional No. 9 rather than leading the line himself.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, United are actively searching for reinforcements—Liam Delap is reportedly among their top priorities.
United want Delap this summer
According to MailSport, after consideration, Amorim’s club are said to have made Delap their No. 1 target to sign as a centre-forward this summer.
Although the club have created a list of several players they may choose to pursue for the position, Delap is reportedly held in higher regard than others such as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Sporting CP striker Victor Gyokeres, or Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
Further, the report claims that United are ready to trigger Delap’s release clause of £40 million this summer should the Tractor Boys be relegated from the Premier League, which is becoming a very likely scenario.
United technical director Jason Wilcox is said to be a big fan of Delap, having worked with him in Manchester City’s Academy set-up before the 53-year-old joined Southampton in January 2023.
Ipswich goalkeeper was full of praise for Delap following the club’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in February, stating: “You look at him and he’s a monster. He’s a young lad that’s got the enthusiasm and energy – and also the talent.
“So for us to have him and him be playing as well as he is at the moment, he’s going to have a big part to play the rest of the season.”
City give United green light for Delap
United’s chances of bringing Delap to Old Trafford this summer have also been boosted after their cross-town rivals, Man City, have seemingly foregone the chance to sign the player.
Delap left City last summer to sign for Ipswich in a £20 million deal, with Pep Guardiola’s club retaining an option to re-sign the player for a fee of around the same as his £40 million release clause and uncertainty looming over whether this option would be taken.
Read More: Three reasons why Manchester United prefer Liam Delap over Viktor Gyökeres this summer revealed
However, clarity on this has finally surfaced with the club reportedly choosing against triggering this option, meaning United would not have to battle with their Manchester rivals to sign the striker they want.
City have retained a 20% sell-on clause in their deal with Ipswich, meaning United would have to pay them around £8 million if they secure Delap this summer.
While Guardiola’s side will not provide competition for Amorim, it is also stated that Chelsea, Newcastle, and Liverpool retain interest in Delap, and there are several clubs abroad who are also keen on the 22-year-old.
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