Manchester United have received another setback, with Chelsea poised to win the race to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap this summer.
The Red Devils were optimistic of landing the Englishman earlier this month, but their failure to qualify for European football has proved costly.
Chelsea have held positive talks with the 22-year-old, and they are now favourites to secure his services for his release clause worth £30 million.
United now need to pursue an alternative in the transfer market. The focus should be on landing a striker with proven Premier League pedigree.
We believe the club should explore a deal for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, who registered 17 goals and four assists last term.
The Frenchman has netted 16 and 14 goals respectively in his last two league campaigns and has an impressive shot-to-goal conversion rate of 20 percent.
With Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha playing behind him, the former Mainz man could easily hit the 20-goal mark in the league for the Red Devils.
Mateta is a classic number nine like Delap. He would suit manager Ruben Amorim’s playing style, having impressed in a high-pressing set-up under Oliver Glasner.
United have already been credited with an interest in signing the 27-year-old and could make a formal approach if Delap ends up joining rivals Chelsea.
Palace value their striker at £40 million with just over 12 months left on his contract.
The Eagles are not in a strong position to negotiate. United should capitalise by proposing a lesser fee, potentially closer to the £30m budget for Delap.
Mateta could be tempted to make the move. He has been knocking on the door for a France call-up. A good campaign at United would put him in the spotlight ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com