According to a report from ESPN, Manchester United are closing in on the signature of Liam Delap. The Red Devils have informed Ipswich Town that they are ready to trigger his release clause and already have an outline of personal terms agreed with his representatives. United are now waiting for the player to give the green light to the move.
Delap came up the ranks at Manchester City. While he did make quite a name for himself on his way up and had a few impressive loan spells, he was unlikely to get much first-team action under Pep Guardiola. As a result, he decided to part ways with the club in search of a more prominent role.
Ipswich struck a deal worth £20 million with City to sign the 22-year-old striker last summer. Since making the move, he has been involved in a total of 37 league games and has contributed towards 14 goals (12 goals, 2 assists).
While Ipswich have failed to survive the drop, the former City star has certainly been one of their standout performers. He has attracted a lot of interest on the back of his performances and massive potential and now looks set for a move away.
A £30 million relegation release clause in his contract makes it easier for interested clubs to get a deal done. Chelsea and Manchester United are two Premier League giants, who are keen on adding him to their squad this summer.
The Blues do need a new number nine and the 22-year-old is an ideal fit for their project that revolves around signing the best young players. While they have been working on a deal for some time, United are looking to steal a march.
The Red Devils are moving very quickly in the transfer window as they want to give Ruben Amorim enough time to work with the new signings. They are on the verge of completing the signing of Matheus Cunha and have already made progress in their pursuit of Delap.
They have informed Ipswich that they are ready to meet the 22-year-old’s release clause if he gives the green light to the move. United have also held talks with his agents and have agreed an outline of personal terms as well.
The transfer could be wrapped up swiftly if Delap opts for a move to Old Trafford, with most of the groundwork already completed and only the player’s decision pending.
