Manchester United have identified Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap as their priority striker target ahead of more high-profile names like Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen, sources have told ESPN.
Despite financial constraints that have led to job cuts and efficiency measures under minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United are prepared to back manager Ruben Amorim in the transfer market this summer with a center-forward being the primary focus.
Sources indicate that Delap, who has scored 12 goals in 30 Premier League games since his £20 million ($25.7 million) move from Manchester City last summer, could be available for around £40 million if Ipswich are relegated. This relatively modest price tag has elevated him above other candidates on United\'s wishlist.
While Manchester City inserted a £40 million buy-back clause in Delap\'s contract when he joined Ipswich, Pep Guardiola\'s side are unlikely to trigger this option following Erling Haaland\'s decision to sign a nine-and-a-half year contract at the Etihad in January. City would, however, receive 20% of any profit made on Delap\'s sale due to a clause negotiated during his transfer.
Gyökeres, who thrived under Amorim at Sporting CP following his £17m move from Coventry in 2023, has a €100 million (£85.4 million) release clause that United consider prohibitive. The club also anticipates significant competition from Arsenal for the Swedish international\'s signature.
United\'s preference for Delap over Gyökeres reportedly stems from considerations of cost, age profile, and the 22-year-old\'s proven record in the Premier League, despite his connection with Amorim\'s successful tenure at Sporting.
Chelsea are expected to provide strong competition for Delap\'s signature, with Blues coach Enzo Maresca having previously worked with the England Under-21 international during his time at Manchester City\'s Academy.
Liverpool could also enter the race for Delap should either Darwin Núñez or Mohamed Salah depart Anfield this summer, while Chelsea might be able to offer Champions League football as an additional incentive.
The pursuit of Delap represents United\'s strategic shift toward value-driven recruitment under Ratcliffe\'s influence, balancing financial prudence with the need to strengthen Amorim\'s squad for his first full season at Old Trafford.
Via Mark Ogden/ESPN