EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim will be left sweating on signing top target Liam Delap this summer as the Premier League strugglers attempt to convince the Ipswich striker
Liam Delap could snub a summer move to Manchester United in a huge blow to the Premier League strugglers.
United have made Delap one of their main transfer targets, as Ruben Amorim looks to sign a top level forward. Amorim turned to Delap after being told by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that United couldn’t afford the £80m asking price for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.
But despite making it clear to Delap that United want him, the 22-year-old is said to be having doubts about joining the fallen giants. It’s understood Delap wants to join a club playing in Europe, with Chelsea or Arsenal being his preferred destination.
Unless United win the Europa League, Amorim’s side will not be competing in Europe next season.
Delap is desperate to be part of England’s 2026 World Cup squad, and wants to be performing for a club operating at the highest level.
The former Manchester City youngster has a £30m release clause in his Ipswich contract – and has made up his mind to leave them if they get relegated. Missing out on Delap world be a huge blow to Amorim.
The Portuguese coach has lamented his team’s lack of goals this season, and knows signing a proven striker is his priority.
Amorim could now be back to square one in his search for a forward. United have shown interest in Victor Osimhen, who is on loan at Galatasary from Napoli. But United have been put off by the wage demands of the Nigerian international.
The 4-1 defeat on Sunday at Newcastle United hammered home how vital success in the Europa League is for Amorim and United, as lifting the tournament provides the only route to European football next year, and a huge boost to finances and attracting players with a Champions League spot up for grabs.
United were held to a 2-2 draw in Lyon last week as two Andre Onana mistakes gifted the French side a first-leg draw. The second-leg at Old Trafford on Thursday is a crucial match for the Red Devils’ season and transfer plans.