Jadon Sancho of Chelsea interacts with Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa after the Premier League match
Jadon Sancho of Chelsea interacts with Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa after a Premier League match
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly planning to utilise the funds from the sales of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford to boost his hunt for a new striker, with Ipswich's Liam Delap being a potential target.
The Red Devils are believed to be among several top clubs keeping tabs on Delap following his impressive season with the Tractor Boys.
Delap has netted ten Premier League goals under Kieran McKenna this campaign, sparking rumours of a possible bidding war for the 22 year old.
It's reported that he has a £40million release clause, making him a more budget-friendly option compared to other summer targets such as Red Bull Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike and Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres.
United are in dire need of additional firepower upfront after Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed to impress this season. Amorim recognises the necessity for better quality to turn the club's fortunes around.
However, the club's situation with PSR, means they will need to sell before they can purchase. The Daily Mail, via the Mirror, suggests that Amorim hopes to use the proceeds from Rashford and Sancho's sales to bolster his transfer budget this summer,
Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has been making waves with two goals and four assists to his name, a performance that will undoubtedly please the Portuguese manager. The Villans have an option to buy Rashford for £40m.
Sancho, who is on loan at Chelsea, has been struggling to shine at Stamford Bridge, failing to score or assist since the start of January - a dry spell lasting 13 games.
Despite this, United are set to benefit from his situation after negotiating a £25m obligation to buy into his Chelsea loan deal. Even with Sancho's current underperformance, the Blues would still need to cough up a significant portion of that fee if they wished to back out of the move.
The Mail report highlights Delap as one of the club's "priorities" in the upcoming summer transfer window, with internal discussions already taking place about signing him.
The report continues to say that they will face stiff competition from Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City in the race for his signature.
Clubs eyeing Delap received a boost recently when Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton hinted that the club would be open to selling him. He stated: "Obviously there is always a natural point in time when a player has to move. That's the cycle of life, it's the cycle of football. But we are very, very, very well protected with all of that.
Should Villa take up the Rashford option? Have your say here
Get your hands on AVFC 150 years merchandise
Aston Villa is marking its 150th anniversary throughout the 2024/2025 season, celebrating a century and a half of history, football and community.
Here's what items are available to buy to celebrate the club's historic season from its official store:
Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Shirt 24-25 (£55)
The aforementioned blacked-out anniversary kit has proven to be hugely popular with fans, particularly those who have noticed the subtle nods to Villa's history in the details.
Due to the high demand, the club store currently only has kids sizes 7 - 9 years old in stock at a price of £55. This item has an 'almost gone' tag on the site.
Buy here.
Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Track Top - Claret (£70)
This long sleeve track top has also proven to be a popular pick amongst fans. The club store describes the jacket by saying:
"Before football players take the pitch for warmups, they answer questions from the media wearing an adidas jacket like this one. It's made of a soft woven fabric to keep you comfortable anywhere the day takes you.
AEROREADY helps keep you dry and comfortable whether you're hanging with friends or watching the game from the sidelines."
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Hoodie - Navy (£45)
Featuring a retro club badge, this hoodie is still available in all Mens' sizes on the club store, which describes the item by saying "Relax in style and comfort. Featuring the iconic club crest, this is an essential item for fans of all ages."
This item is also available in claret for both men and women, though only in sizes XL and S for women limited stock left.
Buy navy here and claret here.
Aston Villa 150 Years in Pictures Book (£25)
The first of two books available to purchase in Villa's 150th season. The describes the picture book as a way to "Celebrate the storied history of Aston Villa and their illustrious history spanning a century and a half with this premium-quality photo book."
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Book Volume Two (£40)
The long-awaited second volume moves Aston Villa's remarkable story forward – with the ups and downs between 1950 and 2024 given the same care and attention as the first volume. Even more pin-sharp images, artefacts and stories are featured, alongside stand-out interviews with some of the players and managers that make this club so great.
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Polo Shirt - White (£30)
"Represent your club wherever you go. Suitable for matchday and casual wear, the polo is perfect for fans of all ages."
This item is available in all sizes but XS on the club store and is also available for kids in claret at a higher price of £35.
Buy the mens' polo here and the kids' claret polo here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary T-Shirt - Claret and Navy (£25)
"Suitable for wearing on matchdays and beyond, this is a must-have for supporters of all ages. Perfect for walks with the dog, or when relaxing on holiday, the t-shirt allows you to proudly sport your pride and passion."
Buy mens' claret here, womens' claret here and navy here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Anniversary Scarf - Claret (£15)
"Take the love for your team with you. The scarf tops off your winter look, and is an essential item for supporters."
Buy the scarf here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Badge & Keyring Set - Boxed (£15)
Display the love for your team. Perfect for your hat or scarf, this is a must-have for fans of all ages.
Buy the set here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Mug - 11oz (£8)
"Start your day off right with a drink from this. Whether it's tea, coffee or hot chocolate this mug is perfect for fans to enjoy an exquisite beverage."
Buy the mug here.
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