Manchester United have made Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap their number one forward target for the summer.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of overhaul up top after scoring a measly 37 goals in 31 Premier League games – the division’s sixth-worst record.
Delap has a release clause of around £40million in the event that Ipswich are relegated – something which looks increasingly likely after their 2-1 loss to Wolves.
The 22-year-old has been a rare standout for the Tractor Boys this season, notching 12 Premier League goals.
And his form has enthralled a selection of high-end suitors including Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester City, who have a buyback option on their academy graduate at just over £30m.
However, United place him at the top of a shortlist which also includes Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko.
Manchester United have made Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap their top striker target for summer
Delap has hit 12 goals in the Premier League this season despite the Tractor Boys’ struggles
Ruben Amorim needs to boost his team’s firepower after a difficult season in the attacking third
As reported in Mail Sport’s unmissable Manchester United Confidential column, one advantage for United is that technical director Jason Wilcox knows Delap well from his time at City’s academy.
Delap would also come cheaper than Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike, who is valued closer to £70m, and Sporting Lisbon’s Gyokeres, who will be available for a reported £55m to £70m.
If Delap continues on his current trajectory, then this summer is a wise one to buy him in, as his value is likely to skyrocket in coming seasons.
Thomas Tuchel is keeping an eye on the striker for his England squad.
United will try to fund arrivals by offloading Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
Read More
EXCLUSIVE
The making of Man Utd target Liam Delap – and why he was BANNED from mimicking dad Rory’s throw-ins
Rashford has a £40m option in his loan deal at Aston Villa, and it is understood he could join other clubs for a similar fee.
There is an obligation for Chelsea to turn Sancho’s loan into a permanent move worth between £22-25m, although Confidential revealed the Londoners will face a financial penalty – since confirmed as £5m – if they break that agreement and sign another winger instead.
United would still want to offload Sancho. Borussia Dortmund are said to be interested in signing him for a third time to replace Jamie Gittens who, ironically, could end up at Chelsea.
Osimhen, on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, could join in a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, who was linked with the Italian club in January.
