Man Utd make ‘major breakthrough’ for striker some staff see as a ‘massive risk’

Manchester United are said to be “surging” ahead in the race to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, but some at Old Trafford are unconvinced the young forward is what the club needs.

Delap is one of the hottest properties on the transfer market after an excellent season with the Tractor Boys, with Chelsea and Everton also interested in adding the 22-year-old former Manchester City academy star to their ranks.

Ipswich’s imminent relegation means that he will have a release clause of €35 million (£30m) in his contract, which makes him a particularly appetising prospect to sign.

Man Utd have made a “major breakthrough” in talks with Delap, according to TeamTalk, which claims that the Old Trafford club are offering better terms than Chelsea for the young forward.

On top of this, Delap, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €33m, is happy to move to the Red Devils even if there is no European football on offer next season.

Man Utd’s internal doubts over Delap

Those at Man Utd are not universally in favour of signing Delap, however.

There are doubts over the striker following the failed signing of Rasmus Hojlund, who has struggled to develop into the starting No.9 the Old Trafford side craves following a big-money move from Atalanta in the summer of 2023.

“There are some doubting voices at United as to whether they should be going for another young striker,” TBR Football’s Graham Bailey explains.

“There’s no doubting his ability, but we’ve seen the situations of Hojlund and Zirkzee. Would they sign another young striker? That’s a massive risk for United.”

This report also indicates that Chelsea are leading the way to signing Delap, further highlighting the uncertainty over where the future of the Ipswich forward lies.

Only one thing is for sure: Delap will be leaving Portman Road in the summer.