West Ham may end up losing the race for Liam Delap’s signature, according to Hammers News.
The Ipswich striker is expected to leave Portman Road this summer, a year after joining the Tractor Boys from Manchester City, but an insider has told the website that a move back up north is a possibility:
“Manchester United can make a case to Delap that he would start every game for them. That takes away West Ham’s unique selling point in a way. It could then come down to the player’s preference – does he fancy a move to London or a return to Manchester?”
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“If Man United somehow salvage their season by winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League, I have to be honest that would most likely be the death knell for West Ham’s chances.”
Several Premier League clubs are after Delap
Manchester United are not the only team who are competing with West Ham for the 21-year-old’s services. Chelsea are known to be big fans of the player too.
A lot will come down to, not only guarantees about first-team football, but also who is prepared to table a high-enough bid.
How much would West Ham have to pay?
Delap’s last club Manchester City are believed to have a buyback option on the player worth in excess of £30m. However, it has also been reported that they have a sell-on clause if they decide not to re-sign him.
It is said to be as much as 20% so Ipswich are expected to demand at least double the £20m they paid for the England Under 21 international last year.
Delap is likely to be one of the hottest topics for the summer transfer window, so it is definitely a story to keep a close eye on.
If you would like to read more stories like this, visit our West Ham transfer news page