Ipswich’s ‘huge Liam Delap asking price’ revealed after Man United latest

Ipswich Town are set to demand a “huge” fee to sell Liam Delap this summer amid interest from the likes of Man United and Chelsea.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Tractor Boys would “seriously consider” offers of £40million for the 22-year-old.

He went on to explain that Ipswich will find it difficult to keep hold of Delap if they are relegated this season given the level of interest in his signature.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that United are eyeing a “surprise” swoop to sign the striker amid concerns about Rasmus Hojlund’s performances.

Ipswich paid £20million to sign Delap from Man City last summer, and he has since proven his worth in the Premier League after scoring ten goals in 24 games.

His goalscoring exploits have come in spite of his team’s struggles, as they currently occupy 18th place and are just two points away from safety.

Given the financial implications of relegation, and the striker’s desire to play at the top level, there is a feeling Ipswich will sell if they go down – but will ensure his exit is on their terms.

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is a target for Man United.
Photo Credit: Imago

Ipswich want to double their money on Liam Delap sale

Football Insider revealed on 10 February that both Man United and Chelsea are keen on a move to sign Delap, who is “desperate” to remain in the Premier League.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that clubs will continue to monitor the striker’s progress until the end of the season before making a decision.

It could be difficult for them to hold on to him,” he told Football Insider.

“For these clubs who are looking to sign a striker, he’s going to be on their list.

“At the moment he’s a ‘could be’, ‘might be’ sort of player, but clubs are going to keep an eye on him and make a decision at the end of the season.

“He’s playing every week in the Premier League, but the question will be about whether he’s going to play regularly if he moves away from Ipswich.

“Is he better than Rasmus Hojlund? If the answer is yes, what price do you pay for Delap?

Hojlund cost United around £70million – and to answer my own question, I think Delap is better, so it could end up being a huge fee.

“The interest in him comes as no surprise, and if Ipswich go down, he’ll be viewed as a sellable asset.

“I think they’d seriously consider offers of £40million for him, especially if they get relegated.

“They might decide they can’t afford to turn down offers like that, so the £20million they’d be making on him would go a long way towards strengthening.”

Ruben Amorim, Man United manager
Ruben Amorim is set to assess his squad in the summer (Credit Imago)

Ruben Amorim considering striker alternatives at Man United

Amid growing concerns about Hojlund’s performances and their interest in Delap, Man United are considering a number of potential incoming strikers.

Bayern Munich star Harry Kane has been heavily linked with the move thanks to a £54million release clause in his contract with the German giants.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that rumoured interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is unlikely to bear fruit as he is not a name near the top of their shortlist.

Instead, Ruben Amorim is expected to be aiming higher in his pursuit of a new forward, with Viktor Gyokeres still heavily linked with the switch from Sporting CP.

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