TBR Football understands that Manchester United believe that Liam Delap favours a move to Old Trafford over Chelsea this summer.
Manchester United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, who is heading up the recruitment plans for the club within their new footballing department, has been working hard on a deal to land Delap.
Whilst some at Old Trafford are favouring more experienced forwards such as Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres or Jean-Philippe Mateta, Delap has emerged as the first-choice option for United’s hierarchy.
Ruben Amorim wants a new number nine to lead his line with Rasmus Hojlund struggling since the Portuguese arrived earlier this season and he will get his wish this summer as the club believes they will sign Delap.
Manchester United believe Liam Delap favours them over Chelsea
Liam Delap can leave relegated Ipswich Town for £30 million this summer, and with a deal for Matheus Cunha worth over £60 million almost complete, signing the former Man City youngster fits in with their budget for the summer, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
Should Delap opt for United, it will be a major blow to Chelsea – who have been working hard on a deal for Delap – where he could be reunited with Enzo Maresca, who was part of the coaching set-up at City, and good friend Cole Palmer.
Delap scored 27 goals in 22 matches whilst under the tutelage of Maresca whilst playing for the youth teams at the Etihad Stadium.
However, a move back to the North West is clearly an appeal to Delap and this is part of the reason he is believed to be leaning towards Old Trafford rather than Stamford Bridge.
TBR Football has previously revealed that Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have all touched base with Delap’s camp, but he looks set for a move back to Manchester.
Is Liam Delap the man to lead Manchester United’s attack?
Delap has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League and it’s no wonder five of the top six clubs have registered an interest in him.
The striker has netted 12 goals in 35 league games for the Tractor Boys, although that hasn’t been enough to keep them in the division.
Having only just turned 22 back in February, it’s clear that Delap is far from the finished article, but to have 12 goals in a struggling Ipswich team – that is quite some going in your first top-flight campaign.
