Craig Bellamy explains why so many clubs are interested in Liam Delap – after Man United make the Ipswich star their top striker target

Craig Bellamy is not surprised that the likes of Man United are interested in signing Liam Delap but has warned the 22-year-old that he might be better off staying at Ipswich. 

Delap has won admirers by scoring 12 goals for the relegation-threatened Tractor Boys since signing from Manchester City for £20million last summer.

Man United have made Delap their No 1 striker target this summer and are ready to trigger his release clause of around £40m if Ipswich are relegated from the Premier League.

Wales boss Bellamy has kept a keen eye on Delap, particularly when he was coaching at Burnley, and explained why the England U21 star was attracting such interest before even completing his first season in the top flight.

‘I’ve watched him quite a bit,’ Bellamy told Sky Sports.

‘Obviously, I was aware of his progression at Manchester City. But we (Burnley) came across him on loan. He was on loan at Stoke and Preston. It wasn’t that easy for him but you could see a young player developing. 

Craig Bellamy has watched the 22-year-old since he rose through the ranks at Man City

Delap steers in against Wolves on Saturday but can’t prevent Ipswich slumping to a 2-1 defeat

‘One thing you took away is that he has a bit of everything. 

‘He’s quick, he looks to go in behind. He can secure the ball, he can bring others into play. 

‘He’s very unselfish which I liked about him as well. You can tell he has come through that type of Man City mindset. 

‘This has been a real big year for him. To do it at the top level like he has done at a team fighting relegation at this present moment is not always easy.’

Bellamy also revealed that he tried to sign Delap from Man City while he was acting head coach of Burnley but was gazzumped by Premier League bound Ipswich. 

The 45-year-old expects another bidding war to ensue for Delap but advised the young forward that he might be better off staying under the tutelage of Kieran McKenna.

When asked if there will be a queue clubs wanting to sign Delap, Bellamy said: ‘Without a shadow of a doubt. 

‘I enquired about him in around about June and I got told straight away that he’s going for big money. So, I understood that — no problem. 

In 2022, Liam Delap went on loan to Stoke City — where his father Rory is a club legend

Ruben Amorim’s Man United are desperate to bring in a striker and have identified Delap

Delap has already represented England at U21 level and Bellamy is tipping him for the top

‘With the type of clubs that were after him then, I thought it was a good move by Ipswich; they did well to get him. He’s going to have other options again. 

‘Ipswich is a very good football club. He’s got a good support system around him, a good manager (McKenna). I don’t see any rush for him. 

‘I honestly believe he is going to become a top player.’