Manchester United host Aston Villa in their final game of the season on Sunday.
The Red Devils have endured a torrid campaign so far and were beaten in the final of the Europa League by rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday night.
Ruben Amorim’s side currently sit 16th in the Premier League table and therefore won’t compete in Europe next term, while Tottenham – who occupy 17th place – will be in the Champions League as a reward for their Europa League triumph.
Amorim and those in charge of United will therefore want to rebuild their squad during the upcoming transfer window, and it appears that they remain in the race to land one of the Premier League’s most talented young players.
According to Football Insider, the Red Devils haven’t pulled out of the race to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap despite losing the Europa League final.
Delap looks set to leave Ipswich Town this summer (Photo: MI News & Sport/Alamy)
Their defeat in Bilbao means United won’t compete in the Champions League next month which could have financial implications, but the report claims that the club are set to continue with their pursuit of Delap.
The Englishman has a £30 million release clause in his current contract which has become active following the Tractor Boys’ relegation to the Championship.
Several clubs, including Chelsea and Everton, could be interested in triggering the clause when the transfer window opens this summer, but the report claims that United currently sit in pole position to land the forward.
Delap joined Ipswich from Manchester City last summer having struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s team, but the striker has enjoyed a hugely impressive debut season at Portman Road.
In total he has netted 12 times in 36 Premier League games – as well as registering two assists – but he was unable to prevent Kieran McKenna’s side from being relegated.