TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Manchester United have held multiple talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap over a summer move.
Delap remains one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League with a number of clubs showing strong interest in signing him.
The 22-year-old had an impressive season, scoring 12 goals for the struggling Ipswich Town side. Their relegation has now seen the release clause in his contract drop to £30m.
While his low price tag makes him a very easily attainable option for many clubs, Delap has now made his demands clear for clubs who want to sign him.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Liam Delap lays out clear demands which could come as boost for Manchester United
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Delap has made it clear during talks that he wants to be first-choice as he gets ready to choose his next club.
Sources state that Delap’s representatives have held talks with multiple clubs over the last two weeks and have made it clear to all potential suitors that he wants first-team football as he feels he has a real chance of making the England squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup finals.
TBR Football can reveal that Delap has met with Manchester United on more than one occasion as technical director Jason Wilcox looks to get a deal over the line.
And while Man United is his preferred destination, he has not completely ruled out other options so far.
TBR Football adds that Chelsea have not lost hope, as they believe that their project is a huge temptation.
However, Delap will not be guaranteed a start there as he will be competing for a spot with Nicolas Jackson. Chelsea hope that Delap can see that as a challenge he wants.
Other clubs who have held talks with Delap include Everton, who are an option he is considering as well. Newcastle are another club but that option is ruled out if Alexander Isak ends up staying.
TBR Football are told that Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have also had conversations with Delap and so have a few clubs from abroad including RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ipswich Town have told Delap to decide by the end of May.
Why Manchester United are in a good position to sign him
Despite interest from a host of Premier League clubs, perhaps Manchester United will feel they are in a great position to sign him.
They are in the hunt for a new striker, as Rasmus Hojlund continues to be a disappointment despite his big-money transfer.
This season, he has only scored four goals in 32 league games. The other striker in the team, Joshua Zirkzee has also been disappointing, scoring only three goals in 32 appearances.
Delap on the other hand has scored 12 goals and assisted two in 37 appearances in the Premier League.
Player Games (Premier League) Goals Assists Goal contribution
Liam Delap 37 12 2 14
Rasmus Hojlund 32 4 1 5
Joshua Zirkzee 32 3 2 5
The young striker is not the Red Devils’ only option, with Man United linked with Bryan Mbeumo as well.
United will be looking to sell both Hojlund and Zirkzee, with Hojlund linked with a move to Serie A.
But as things stand, considering the other options on the table, United will find themselves in a much more favourable position to sign Delap.