Liam Delap transfer to Chelsea latest spells bad news for Man United: ‘Scuppered’
Liam Delap has attracted the interest of a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, who are both desperate for a new number nine.
Enzo Maresca’s side were left without a recognised striker for their top-five decider against Nottingham Forest, after Nicolas Jackson got sent off against Newcastle.
Neither Jackson nor Christopher Nkunku have met expectations this season, meaning that Chelsea are likely to sign a new centre-forward this summer.
As for United, Rasmus Hojlund is set to leave Old Trafford after a dismal campaign, in which he only managed four league goals.
Ruben Amorim’s whole system is geared towards creating chances for a lone striker, so the Portuguese manager will be eager to get a goalscorer through the door.
United may lose out on Delap
Delap has been one of the shining lights in a poor Ipswich team this season, scoring 12 goals and picking up two assists as the Tractor Boys were relegated back to the Championship.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 37 | 12 | 2 |
The 22-year-old has also been linked with Everton and Newcastle, as well as both Chelsea and Man United, in what is becoming a fierce race for the Englishman’s signature.
Speaking live on air (26 May), talkSPORT football correspondent Alex Crook revealed that Delap may choose Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford, saying: “His release clause is £30million. My understanding was that he was leaning towards Manchester United, but he does want to play in the Champions League, so I wonder if that may have scuppered United now.
“The noises I’m hearing are more that he will end up at Chelsea, we’re expecting a decision from him (Delap) by the end of the week.”
Delap must prioritise playing time
Football Insider Verdict
It’s clear that Delap has his pick of teams, but the England Under-21 international must make the right decision for the good of his career.
There is no use making a big money move if he is not going to play, and the striker has to go to a club where he is going to be the first-choice number nine.
Of course, there is no reason why he can’t do that at both Chelsea and Man United, with both sides having so much trouble in forward positions, however the pressure and media scrutiny he will be under at those clubs is enormous.
Delap is perhaps better off going somewhere like Everton, who will likely get rid of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the summer, and protect himself from the toxic environments at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.
Whatever the youngster decides to do, as long as he continues to work hard and score goals, then he will be a success.