Man United ‘eye surprise swoop for Ipswich Town star’ as Rasmus Hojlund slammed
Liam Delap has emerged as a “surprise” option to join Man United from Ipswich in the summer, according to the club’s former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old’s age and playing style have placed him on their list of targets.
However, there are questions about whether he would be able to improve Ruben Amorim’s team immediately or if they would prefer a more proven option.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 10 February that both United and Chelsea are keen on a summer move to sign the striker if Ipswich are relegated.
Kieran McKenna’s side are currently 18th in the Premier League table, just two points from safety, and remain hopeful of an outside chance at survival.
Man City have also been linked with the striker due to a buy-back clause in his contract, while many at the Etihad have been impressed by his development since moving on.
Despite this, Football Insider revealed on 12 February that City are unlikely to activate the clause included in his £20million move in July 2024.
Liam Delap on Man United shortlist after Ipswich displays
Delap scored his tenth Premier League goal of the season during Ipswich’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park in an eye-catching first season at this level.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after he also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, insisted that the striker may be an option for United, but he would be surprised to see that deal done.
“He’s a player who has a lot going for him,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s still young and has shown a lot of promise which is always good.
“But then again, we’re told the same thing about Hojlund and I don’t see it in him. I don’t think he’s good enough or will be good enough.
“Zirkzee is similar but he’s got a bit more about him skill-wise than Hojlund.
“That’s £100million worth of strikers between those two, and they’re still talking about new players.
“I’ve watched Delap in a few games this season and he’s definitely physically capable, he’s not afraid to put himself about and battle with centre-halves.
“Of his type, he’s a very promising player.
“He’s a talented lad, but I think United have got to recruit players who are proven and can come straight into the starting XI and make a difference.
“This player might be – but they’ve got enough might be’s.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he was an option because his age and the way he plays fits in with the other strikers they’ve been looking at.
“But I’m not convinced he’s the right man for them.”
INEOS prioritise Harry Kane deal after Bayern contract latest
United have named a new striker as their priority signing ahead of the summer amid growing concerns about the performances of Hojlund and Zirkzee.
However, if a proven option is viewed as their ideal fit for the role, one name who has been heavily linked with a return to England is Harry Kane.
A £54million release clause in his Bayern Munich release clause is set to become active in the summer, when United have been backed to make their move.
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