Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has started talks with interested clubs ahead of a likely summer departure. (Image: PA)
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has started talks with interested clubs ahead of a likely summer departure. (Image: PA)
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed that talismanic striker Liam Delap was given permission to hold talks with Manchester United this week.
The England Under-21 striker has scored 12 goals in an impressive his debut season for the club and now has several Premier League clubs ready to activate his £30m relegation release clause.
It was reported by The Athletic this week that Delap had been in Manchester to hear the Red Devils' sales pitch ahead of their Europa League Final defeat to Tottenham.
Asked about that, McKenna said: "Liam's looking at his options for next year, which I think he's entitled to do, and we support him with that. So, yes, we've given him the permission to do that this week.
"It's a very important decision for his future. Of course, there's a lot of interest and rightly so. So that's been part of his week, he's been having some of those conversations.
"It looks, I think more likely than not, that he'll move on this summer. He has interest from pretty much every club in the league. I don't think there's many clubs in the world who wouldn't want to have him. So I think it's more likely than not that he'll move on.
"Of course, nothing's sorted, nothing's done or completed or even I think very, very, very close. That process will take its course.
"We'll, of course, be proud of the part that we've had in terms of Liam's development and his contribution this season.
"If he stays with us, we'll be delighted. If he does move on this summer, then it will be a positive sign for the club, a positive step for the club, to have developed and sold a player at that sort of level. Hopefully it will be a good move for him."
Asked if he'll advise Delap on where he thinks he should go, McKenna replied: "Yeah, though that had to stay private. I've spoken to Liam and he knows that I'll always try and help him anywhere possible.
"He has a fantastic relationship with the other staff here and other people around the club. He knows that we're here to support him and help him and guide him as we have done from the first day."
On how far Delap can go in the game, the Blues boss said: "He's got great potential. It's clear for everyone to see, I think, what he's done this season for a newly promoted team that's found it really difficult. Not just in his goals, but in some of his performances where he's been almost impossible for the opposition to handle.
"I've said many times, he's still young. He still has room to grow, to be more consistent, to round off his game. But in terms of attributes, I think he's as good as what there is out there anywhere in the world."
Asked if he hopes Delap will get a warm send off from supporters during Sunday's season finale against West Ham at Portman Road, McKenna said: "I think it will be. I never would tell people what to do, if they want to boo or clap, but I don't see any of that, to be honest.
"He's a young player. He came here in the summer and, with these type of deals, there's always clauses and protection from the player's point of view. You're not signing a player from Man City without that.
"He's given everything to the cause. He's entitled to make a decision what he thinks is best for the future. I think the supporters will look back in time with great fondness to some of his performance and some of the victories that he was involved in.
"I know, I really believe, that everyone will be following his career, if it isn't at Ipswich, with the best of wishes."