Manchester United are already looking at three alternative strikers to Liam Delap after it was revealed that the striker will be joining Chelsea.
With the transfer window opening soon, Manchester United are already working behind the scenes to secure early deals ahead of the summer.
Matheus Cunha is reportedly close to joining the club, poised to become Ruben Amorim’s first signing, with further attacking reinforcements expected to follow.
After struggling for goals last season, United are determined to bolster their forward line, with the addition of a new centre-forward high on the agenda.
Liam Delap had emerged as a preferred option at Old Trafford, but according to talkSPORT, the Ipswich Town striker has opted to join Chelsea instead—reportedly influenced by the promise of European football.
The Athletic have now followed up on that information and revealed that Delap’s representatives have let United know that the player has rejected them.
Viktor Gyökeres and Victor Osimhen are two strikers who have been heavily linked to United as well, although at the moment either of them joining seems unlikely. Below, UtdDistrict have compiled three cost-efficient alternatives to Delap who the club are already reportedly eyeing.
United’s three Delap alternatives
It is clear that United wanted to sign Delap but they are not in the position to be working with the idea that players are guaranteed to join and they are already preparing alternatives.
Reports from back in March claimed that United had opened talks with Crystal Palace over a potential deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta, who would cost around £40 million.
Those links have died down since then but the Premier League forward could be somehow United reignite their interest in following the rejection of Delap.
Meanwhile, Sky Germany recently reported that Bayer Leverkusen star Patrik Schick is being monitored at Old Trafford, with initial contacts being made. It was explained that the Reds would prefer a younger striker but he is an experienced option who could help United’s young forward line.
Finally, it was revealed by Santi Aouna earlier this month that United had added Moïse Kean to their striker shortlist for the summer. He has a £42 million release clause which is active in July.
Kean struggled during his time in the Premier League with Everton but is currently shining in Italy, with 25 goals last season in all competitions for Fiorentina.
Mateta the standout option for Amorim
Out of the potential options for the Reds, they should certainly be trying to test the waters for Mateta, who has been described as “effective” in the Premier League.
The club are searching for players who are comfortable playing at England’s highest level and Mateta has proven that he can bully defenders in this division.
His hold-up play, as shown in the FA Cup final, is a huge upgrade on the current options while he also appears more dangerous in and around the box.
Of course, there are no guarantees that the 27-year-old would want to move to Old Trafford this summer as he is set to play European competition with Palace, who would not let him go easily either.
United need to be smart in the transfer window, but everyone would prefer if there is some sort of guaranteed quality with whoever they sign upfront.
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