Liam Delap is leaning towards joining Manchester United, talkSPORT understands.
United and Chelsea are the two leading Premier League candidates to trigger Delap’s £30million Ipswich release clause.
Former Manchester City youngster Delap, who has scored 12 Premier League goals this season, is said to be keen to return to the north west.
United’s pursuit of the England under-21 ace, will be further boosted if they beat Tottenham in next week’s Europa League final and qualify for the Champions League.
The Red Devils face Spurs in Bilbao on May 21 in their final opportunity to secure European qualification for next season.
Delap previously spent five years with City before his move to Portman Road last summer.
Despite the Tractor Boys’ relegation this term, the forward has stood out with his performances for Kieran McKenna’s side.
As well as his 12 league goals, Delap has also chipped in with two assists for his team-mates.
Meanwhile, United’s senior strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have just seven league goals between them this term.
Ruben Amorim has also been linked with a move for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha in the summer.
Troy Deeney previously urged Delap to make the switch to Old Trafford to boost his Three Lions chances.
The talkSPORT co-host explained last month: “He has to play [to get into England squad] right?
“So his next step would be, if I was advising him, would be that with Man United, it’s nailed on.
“If he went to Man United, he’d start every week. He’d instantly make them better.”
The 22-year-old has yet to be included in a senior England squad despite his form this season.
He has already scored three goals in 12 caps for the under-21s, though, since making his debut in September 2023.
Delap is expected to star for Lee Carsley’s Young Lions once again this summer.
The defending European champions will appear at the tournament in Slovakia next month.
Carsley’s side face the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Germany in group B.
Delap was not part of the squad which won the 2023 edition two years ago.
