Manchester United have received a major boost in the race for their number one target this summer after it has been revealed he could be available for £30m this summer.
Manchester United have been tipped to be choosing to recruit smarter, not harder, this summer under the guidance of INEOS, and they may receive a significant boost in their pursuit of following through on that after an intriguing development with their current prime target.
The side from Old Trafford is expected to land a striker when the window opens, with the list currently being narrowed down to around three or four main targets. One of those has begun to be reported as a standout, and he is now anticipated to be the one the club opts to sign.
With Victor Osimhen tipped to move to Saudi Arabia of late and reports around Victor Gyökeres being downplayed, United have received a huge boost when it comes to their number one target, Liam Delap, with his previously touted £40 million price tag now being reduced to £30 million.
The English forward, who has been performing admirably in the Premier League this season, could be the first name in the door this summer, as Rúben Amorim aims to address the lack of goals in his team, with his current set or forward struggling to make the desire impact.
Liam Delap available for £30m
Manchester United have received their biggest boost yet ahead of the summer transfer window, with a report from The Guardian today revealing that Delap’s release clause from Ipswich Town will be £30 million and not £40 million if the team gets relegated.
The Tractor Boys are 12 points from safety with seven games to go, and it would take a miracle for them to remain in the league next season. This suggests that Delap is available for that impressive cut-price fee.
With the fee now public knowledge, it makes sense why United are aiming for the English forward as their prime target. He saves them significant money and represents intelligent value for money.
A particular lure and advantage of Delap is that he has proven this season that he can score in the Premier League, even for a team that has been languishing around the bottom three for the entire campaign.
It’s unknown whether Delap would be brought in to start or to rival Rasmus Hojlund, but it’s currently unlikely that the Danish forward will leave United this summer, with Joshua Zirkzee also expected to remain at the club beyond the summer.
The Reds will face competition for Delap, with Chelsea, who have the advantage of Joe Shields, also set to rival them for the signing. Jason Wilcox may also have a say, given he worked with the player at Manchester City’s academy.
United need a player like Delap
Despite his clear and brilliant qualities, United’s number nine, Rasmus Hojlund, currently lacks the ability to bully defenders, which Delap, an old-school center forward, possesses. Spending £30m on a player like the former Hull man could be a wise decision for United, as it presents a low risk, high reward potential if successful.
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The Ipswich Town forward has 12 goals in 30 appearances this season in an Ipswich side that has struggled. He can and has scored every type of goal and has ball-striking ability that United currently lacks at the moment.
Victor Osimhen is a clear target, but his wages, accompanied with his transfer fee, are something INEOS is trying to do away with at the club. Victor Gyökeres is someone else who makes sense, but United seems to be turned off the player, or vice versa, as reports are continuing to be played down when it comes to his potential signature.
£30m is a no-questions-asked type of fee to risk for Liam Delap. Manchester United must beat Chelsea to his signature or risk watching him thrive in the Premier League for years to come as another one of those players who got away.
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