Man United and Chelsea handed major transfer boost as summer target is given green light to leave by his club and manager

Manchester United and Chelsea have been given the green light to speak with a player that is in demand this summer.

A number of Premier League clubs are on the hunt for a new striker in the window and Ipswich‘s Liam Delap has garnered plenty of attention.

The 22-year-old has netted 12 goals in the top flight this season for a club whose relegation was confirmed almost a month ago. 

And Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed that Delap is expected to leave in the upcoming transfer window.   

‘Yes, he’s looking at his options for next year,’ he said. ‘We support him with that’.

United have been seen to be in pole position in the race for the Englishman’s signature for much of the season but Chelsea have recently registered their interest.

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have been leading the race to sign the English forward 

The Red Devils will face competition from Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea for his signature

United have held in-person talks with Delap over a move – with the permission of his club – but it is understood Chelsea will also get the chance to pitch their project to the 22-year-old Englishman before he makes a final decision on his future.

Working in their favour is how Enzo Maresca already has an existing relationship with Delap, who scored a bundle of goals during their year together in Manchester City’s youth set-up.

While exceptions can be made for the odd market opportunity, Chelsea remain keen to stick to their current strategy in buying the world’s best young talent before watching them mature and develop. Delap suits that more than the other expensive options on their striker shortlist.

Delap has a £30m release clause and wants to have his future decided before the Under-21 Euros.