According to ESPN, Manchester United have reached a preliminary agreement for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, laying out the structure of a potential transfer.
The Red Devils have informed Ipswich of their readiness to trigger Delap’s £30 million release clause, but the move hinges on the player’s final decision.
Delap, 22, is currently weighing his options, with interest from multiple Premier League clubs. Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Everton are also in the mix, making the race for his signature highly competitive. Everton have already held direct talks with the England youth international, but reports suggest they are now falling behind in the pursuit.
United view Delap as one of their key offensive targets this summer, alongside Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.
Manager Ruben Amorim is expected to lead a squad overhaul following a lacklustre season that ended without European qualification.
This failure has triggered the need for smarter recruitment and tactical adjustments, particularly up front.
United’s current strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have struggled to consistently deliver goals. Combined, the pair managed only seven Premier League goals this past season, five fewer than Delap’s 12-goal tally for Ipswich.
Given this disparity, Delap’s arrival would represent an immediate upgrade in attacking output.
While Zirkzee may remain at Old Trafford, he is more likely to be deployed as a secondary forward or creative No. 10, roles in which he has shown more promise under Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. Hojlund, on the other hand, faces an uncertain future.
Senior club officials have reportedly lost faith in the Danish forward, and a sale is now being considered. Interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus could provide him a route back to Italy.
United’s financial situation allows them to meet Delap’s release clause, but further acquisitions will likely require player sales.
The club is preparing for a major squad clear-out, aimed at reducing the wage bill and balancing the books in light of their absence from European competitions next season.
Delap fits well within INEOS’s vision of building a young, high-potential squad, supported by a data-driven recruitment strategy.
His blend of physical strength, pressing ability, and Premier League readiness makes him an ideal fit for Amorim’s system.
A decision from Delap is expected within the week. Should he opt for a move to Old Trafford, Manchester United are ready to finalize the deal swiftly — a move that could also signal the end of Hojlund’s time at the club.
