Manchester United chiefs have reportedly staged a face-to-face meeting with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford. Delap is almost certain to leave Portman Road this summer with Ipswich heading straight back down to the Championship. He has been one of the few bright sparks for the Blues, scoring 12 goals in 36 league appearances.
Delap is thought to have a release clause of around £30million, which has been activated by Ipswich's relegation. It has made him an attractive prospect for many Premier League clubs in advance of next season. United are one of many top-flight sides with a reported interest in the 22-year-old as Ruben Amorim looks to improve his forward line.
The Red Devils have already held in-person talks with Delap to sell their project to the striker, according to The Athletic. It is said that he recently travelled to Manchester to gain a first-hand sense of what a move to Old Trafford would entail.
Ipswich are thought to be resigned to Delap moving on, having given him special permission to make the journey up north. They will be powerless to prevent him from joining any club who decide to match the full value of his release clause.
Delap spent much of his early career at Manchester City, coming through their academy ranks and making a handful of senior appearances. He was sold to Ipswich last summer following loan spells at Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City.
United will face stiff competition from several clubs in the race to land Delap, with Chelsea also thought to be keen admirers. The player is expected to hold 'meaningful discussions' with a number of different teams before making a decision on his future.
It comes after it was reported that United are on the verge of signing Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, having achieved a breakthrough in negotiations. According to UoL, the Brazilian is close to putting pen to paper in a deal worth around £62.5m.
United's pursuit of Delap is thought to be entirely unrelated to the Cunha deal. They are believed to have the finances to sign both players, regardless of whether they secure Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League final against Tottenham.
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