Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Liam Delap, with a rival club “quietly confident” they can secure the striker for £30 million this summer.
Manchester United’s struggle to establish a consistent goal threat remains a key issue as they look to rebuild ahead of the new season.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have been the club’s only dependable scorers in recent years, with Rashford netting 30 goals in the 2022/23 campaign.
But with Rashford expected to leave following his loan spell at Aston Villa, and Fernandes now playing deeper under Rúben Amorim, concerns about the attack are growing.
Rasmus Højlund has shown glimpses of his potential but still lacks the consistency and experience to lead the line alone. Joshua Zirkzee, meanwhile, seems to flourish more in a supporting role behind a traditional number nine.
As preparations for the summer transfer window intensify, United are actively pursuing attacking reinforcements — with Liam Delap reportedly at the top of their shortlist.
United braced for Delap transfer hijack
A number of reports have detailed in the last few weeks that United are going all-out to sign Premier League forwards Matheus Cunha and Delap this summer, with the two players considered the No. 1 targets at Old Trafford in their respective positions.
While a deal for Cunha seems close, GiveMeSport have handed United a blow in their pursuit of Delap, with the player not as sold on United’s project as some reports had led fans to believe.
It has been previously reported that Delap will not make his decision on his next club until just before the U21 European Championships in mid-June. Once Ipswich’s relegation back to the Championship is confirmed, the price for the player’s release clause will drop to £30 million, which has been touted as a “bargain” deal for any club that triggers the clause.
According to the GMS report, Chelsea are becoming “quietly confident” that a deal is swinging in their favour, with Delap remaining tight-lipped over his destination preference and United therefore braced for a potential hijack in their pursuit of the 22-year-old.
Why are Chelsea confident of signing Delap?
Chelsea’s optimism that they can hijack United’s efforts to sign Delap this summer comes down to what they believe is a superior proposal to the player regarding his future and early intent to sign him.
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Chelsea have been tracking and speaking with Delap’s representatives for longer than United, with the Old Trafford club having taken extra time to flesh out their priorities.
Enzo Maresca, the Blues’ boss, is keen on bringing Delap to Stamford Bridge after being familiar with him during their time together at Manchester City.
They feel they have demonstrated a clear and defined strategy for the striker’s integration into the club and a pathway to becoming a bona fide first-team player, whereas United are still said to be weighing up other striker options this summer.
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