Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap ahead of the summer transfer window.
After an uninspiring loan spell at Hull City last season, the Tractor Boys decided to take the plunge and spend £20m on Delap to lure him away from Manchester City. The gamble at that time has paid off for the Suffolk club with the striker scoring nine goals in 23 Premier League appearances this season.
While those figures are modest, they have been looked upon favourably by other clubs in the Premier League considering the Suffolk side's lowly position in the table. United, and a host of other clubs, were linked with a move for Delap in the January transfer window but it was understood an exceptional bid would be needed for Ipswich to accept an approach.
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According to The Athletic, with a move for Viktor Gyokeres looking unlikely, Delap could be an option - especially if Ipswich are relegated. Technical director Jason Wilcox already has a good understanding of the forward's talents having been part of the City backroom staff who signed him in 2019 from Derby County.
Finances are the biggest stumbling block between United completing the purchase and not. It is understood that if Ipswich were to be relegated, then the Reds would be in with a good shot of signing the striker.
The report adds that City have a £40m buy back clause inserted into the deal which is believed to be the barometer by which clubs are measuring how much Ipswich will hold out for. It is expected that Chelsea would be United's main competitors if they were to make their interest in Delap formal.
