Man Utd and Chelsea interested in £20m Premier League star – but face one problem

Manchester United and Chelsea are already monitoring Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap but face one problem in their respective quests to sign the striker.

Delap, who spent last season on loan at Championship side Hull CIty, joined Ipswich this summer from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £20million.

The powerful striker has made an instant impression in the top flight, notching up six goals in 12 appearances for Kieran McKenna’s side.

Delap, who is also capped at England Under-21 level, was twice denied by Andre Onana when Ipswich drew 1-1 with United last weekend but his performance has caught the eye of several big clubs in the Premier League.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea and United are the two biggest potential suitors interested in the 21-year-old, with some clubs in attendance at Portman Road last weekend to see the striker in action.

While Delap would likely remain with Ipswich until the end of the season, the striker could be in high demand over the summer should his early-season form continue.

However, any move for the striker could be scuppered by his former club City who are said to have put buy-back clauses in place when they initally let Delap go.

And given the lack of a natural understudy for Erling Haaland present within their squad, City may well choose to bring Delap back to the Etihad Stadium next summer if other big clubs look likely to pounce.

Ipswich boss McKenna, meanwhile, sought to downplay reports of interest in Delap but said he was unaware of any buy-back clauses within the striker’s contract.

‘It’s not anything I’m aware of or interested in to be honest. I think that’s a question for other people and for (chairman) Mark Ashton,’ he said.

‘My full focus is on this season and, with regards to Liam, trying to help him to continue to improve. I know Liam’s full focus is here and trying to help the team.

‘He’s had a good start to the season, but we have to remember that’s it’s very early stages for him. This is really his first season starting regularly as a number nine. 

‘This is his first season doing it week-in, week-out, maybe doing it two times a week, and he’s doing it at Premier League level.’

Should Chelsea and United fail in their quest to sign Delap, both clubs may well size up other options next summer to beef up their attacking options.

The Blues have held a long-standing interest in Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, while Ruben Amorim’s history with Sporting Lisbon will no doubt see them linked with a move for prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres.

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