It has been reported that Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap will hold talks with Newcastle United despite Manchester United having held long-term interest in the forward.
United are in desperate need of reinforcements in order to avoid a repeat of the 2024-25 season, with the club’s Europa League final loss against Tottenham Hotspur condemning the team to their worst season in the modern era.
In fact, the club are guaranteed to finish with their lowest ever points total in Premier League history, and they will be without European football for the first time since 2014-15.
However, it remains to be seen if Ruben Amorim can attract players to Old Trafford given the dire situation of the club, especially as his own future is in doubt.
talkSPORT claim that Ipswich striker Delap, who has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, will hold talks with Newcastle.
United’s new reality
The Red Devils’ defeat in Europe could have significant ramifications on the club’s financial health, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe making clear on a number of occasions that the team are in a difficult position.
United may face the prospect of having to sell academy talents such as Kobbie Mainoo in order to avoid breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, while the exit of Bruno Fernandes can no longer be ruled out.
The Portuguese attacker has arguably been the club’s only positive this season, but with teams in the Saudi Pro League said to hold an interest, the Red Devils might be forced into a sale.
In terms on incomings, Delap would represent a shrewd piece of business from United given he can be signed should his £30m release clause be triggered.
While the 22-year-old is an attractive option, it is hard to see them beating Newcastle to his signature considering they are guaranteed European football and look to be on an upwards trajectory.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha has also been linked with a transfer to Old Trafford, but other sides such as Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the Brazilian.
It would not be surprising if next season saw United struggle to compete once again, and a return to the pinnacle of domestic and European football looks to be a long way off.
