Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap have reportedly indicated that he would favour a move to Manchester United over Chelsea.
Delap is garnering plenty of transfer interest ahead of the summer window despite being part of an Ipswich team that are set to return to the Championship after just one Premier League season.
The Ipswich forward has netted 12 goals in 35 Premier League appearances, making up 34% of Ipswich’s total goals scored this term.
Man United and Chelsea are among those showing an interest in signing the England Under-21 international this summer.
Delap’s potential suitors will be aware that his £30m release clause is now active following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.
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Delap sets out transfer stance
However, it appears that Chelsea may have their work cut out if they are to beat Man United in the race to secure Delap’s signature.
According to talkSPORT, Delap is ‘leaning towards’ completing a summer move to Man United over any other potential destination.
The report claims Man United and Chelsea are the Premier League’s ‘leading candidates’ to sign Delap, but it seems that the Red Devils have the upper hand, with the player keen to return to the North West.
Delap will be familiar with the Manchester area after spending time in Man City’s youth system and senior setup before he left last summer.
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Europa League could boost Man United’s hopes
While Delap’s transfer stance puts Man United in a strong position, the Red Devils could boost their hopes further if they can win the Europa League later this month.
Ruben Amorim‘s charges will face fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in the final in Bilbao on May 21, with the winner qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
However, Man United will not be able to offer Delap European football if they lose to Spurs due to the club’s lowly 16th position in the Premier League table.
In contrast, Chelsea will be playing in some form of European competition, and they currently sit in the fifth and final Champions League qualification spot with just two games left to play.
