Manchester United’s back-up plan for Liam Delap has informed the club he would be keen to sign for Rúben Amorim’s side this summer, according to fresh reports.
Manchester United’s struggle to find consistent goals continues to be one of their most pressing problems.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have been the club’s only reliable scorers in recent seasons, with Rashford recording 30 goals during the 2022/23 campaign.
But with Rashford expected to move on after his loan spell at Aston Villa and Fernandes now deployed in a deeper role under Rúben Amorim, United’s attacking options look increasingly limited.
Rasmus Højlund has shown promise but remains raw and not yet ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the line. Joshua Zirkzee, meanwhile, appears more suited to playing off a traditional striker rather than being the primary forward.
As the summer transfer window approaches, United are already working on strengthening their attack, with Liam Delap said to be at the top of the club’s list this summer.
Delap to Manchester United latest
Amid the club’s want to sign Delap, they are not alone, with multiple clubs across the Premier League and Europe mulling over a potential move for the 22-year-old striker.
With Ipswich Town officially relegated from the Premier League following their 3-0 loss against Newcastle last weekend, Delap’s release clause this summer has dropped from £40 million to £30 million.
According to multiple reports, although United have Delap as top of their list, Chelsea are quietly growing in confidence that they can leapfrog Amorim’s side to his signature this summer.
United are currently in negotiations to secure a transfer for Matheus Cunha this summer, and these are expected to be completed within the next few days.
Once United have secured the Brazilian, they are expected to ramp up their attempts to tie down Delap, as reports have stated the club wish to have both transfers secured as the summer transfer window opens on 1 June.
Delap back-up wants to sign for United
However, with United by no means certain of securing Delap this summer, the club are also planning for contingencies in the event the 22-year-old transfers elsewhere.
According to a new report from GiveMeSport, Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is emerging as a potential option to join the Old Trafford club in the event that Amorim’s team lose the race for Delap.
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It is claimed that Mateta is keen to join United this summer, with Palace willing to entertain offers for the Frenchman of around £40 million.
With Delap set to make a decision about his next club before the U21 European Championship starts in mid-June, United reportedly do not know where they stand in the race to sign him.
Mateta may become a serious option for the Old Trafford club this summer. As a more experienced player than Delap, he is already comfortable playing in a 3-4-3 system under Oliver Glasner, and he may be able to slot perfectly into the club’s starting XI.
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