Chelsea are closing in on a move for Ipswich Town striker and Manchester United target Liam Delap following positive talks, according to journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs.
The Red Devils want the England youth international, with his £30 million release clause a major attraction after his impressive individual campaign.
However, their failure to qualify for Europe next season has proven costly, with Delap now leaning towards a move to the Stamford Bridge club, and Man United now have to look elsewhere for a striker.
? Chelsea are closing in on a move for Liam Delap after positive talks.#MUFC's lack of European football has weakened their position.
Newcastle and Everton have also held talks, but Delap is now leaning towards Chelsea.
? @alex_crook pic.twitter.com/eJtTxHSQPl
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 28, 2025
They have been linked with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and may now have to prepare an offer for the Cameroon international after the Ipswich star opted for Chelsea.
Man United are expected to seal a move for Wolverhampton Wanders attacker Matheus Cunha in the coming days, but head coach Ruben Amorim also wants a new number 9 after both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund failed to impress in front of goal this term.
The Portuguese watched on helplessly as the Red Devils lost 1-0 to ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur during a hybrid friendly game earlier today, and he will be desperate to add attacking firepower to his team before next season begins.
The Old Trafford club have already held talks with Mbeumo, with Brentford looking for around £50m to sanction the sale of the 25-year-old Cameroon international.