Manchester United have reportedly discovered a significant update in their pursuit of Ipswich striker Liam Delap.
The 22-year-old has been a standout player for the Tractor Boys this season, scoring 12 goals in 35 Premier League appearances whilst also chipping in with a couple of assists.
Ipswich’s relegation from the top flight means the £30m release clause in Delap’s contract can be activated this summer and he is expected to be on the move once the transfer window officially opens on June 1.
Amid links to Newcastle and Chelsea, it was reported by Sky Sports News that Man Utd were believed to be in ‘pole position’ for the striker’s signature.
Furthermore, the report stated that Delap would be happy to move to Old Trafford this summer, though his final decision could be swayed by whether the Red Devils beat Tottenham in the Europa League final, thus qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
However, fresh developments suggest Man United have been dealt a huge blow.
According to reports, Delap favours a move to Chelsea where he would be reunited with Enzo Maresca who was his academy coach at Manchester City.
Prior to Ipswich’s visit to Stamford Bridge last month, Maresca singled out Delap for special praise.
He said: “In terms of numbers, he's doing fantastic. I think he's scored 12 [Premier League] goals already.
“It's not just in terms of his numbers — [it’s] the way he plays and fights and is always there. But he's an Ipswich player. He's an enemy on Sunday because we need to beat them, and then after the game I wish him all the best for the future.
“In the first game, he was quite good for them. We need to deal with that, and we need to do much, much better compared to the first game [the loss at Ipswich].”
Chelsea are expected to bolster their attacking options this summer especially as Nicolas Jackson has been their only natural senior centre-forward all season.
