Man Utd plan cut-price £40m deal for Premier League star with nine goals

Manchester United have been handed a transfer boost in their pursuit of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with the 22-year-old’s contract containing a £40 million release clause.

Ruben Amorim, desperate to fix United’s toothless attack after a 0-0 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, has identified the former Derby County youngster as a prime target to lead his line.

Delap, son of ex-Stoke throw-in king Rory, has lit up the Premier League since Ipswich’s promotion, scoring nine goals in 18 starts this season—more than United’s Rasmus Højlund (five) and Joshua Zirkzee (three) combined.

His physicality, pace, and finishing have drawn comparisons to a young Harry Kane, and sources say Amorim sees him as the missing piece in his 3-4-2-1 setup, especially with Højlund misfiring and Zirkzee linked to a loan exit.

The Mirror understands that United scouts were at Portman Road last week to watch Delap bag a brace in a 2-1 win over Wolves, triggering fresh talks within Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS camp.

Delap’s £40m clause—inserted when he joined Ipswich permanently from Manchester City for £15m in 2024—offers a clear path, though the Tractor Boys, safe in 15th, won’t budge until the summer window. “It’s a steal for a player of his potential,” a United insider said. “Amorim loves his work rate—perfect for our press.”

United’s goal drought (37 in 31 league games) has Ratcliffe pledging £100m for transfers, with Delap now alongside Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres (£80m) on the shortlist—though the latter’s Champions League preference complicates matters.

Selling Alejandro Garnacho, whose £3.85m Cheshire mansion hit the market, could fund the move, but Delap’s clause makes him a cheaper, Premier League-proven option.

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, who coached at United’s academy, won’t welcome the interest. “Liam’s happy here—he’s our star,” he said. But with United facing Lyon tomorrow (20:00 BST) in a must-win Europa League quarter-final, Amorim’s need for firepower is urgent. Delap, who came through City’s youth ranks with Phil Foden, has a point to prove against his old club’s rivals.

Fans on X are buzzing: @MUFC_Tom tweeted, “Delap for £40m? Bargain—sign him up yesterday!” Yet @RedDevilDave cautioned, “Another kid with hype—seen this movie before.” For now, United’s focus is Lyon, but this £40m clause could shape their summer—and Amorim’s reign.