Man Utd believed to be in pole position to sign Liam Delap in summer transfer from Ipswich
Liam Delap, who has a £30m release clause in his Ipswich contract, is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs and Man Utd are believed to be frontrunners, but the striker's decision could be swayed by their success in the Europa League final against Tottenham
Wednesday 14 May 2025 14:52, UK
Man Utd are believed to be in pole position to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap.
Sky Sports News understands the 22-year-old would be happy to move to Old Trafford this summer.
However, his final decision could be swayed by whether they win the Europa League final and qualify for next season's Champions League.
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Newcastle and Chelsea also want to sign Delap and are battling to finish in the Champions League places themselves via the Premier League.
Delap has a £30m release clause in his Ipswich contract following their relegation and his is expected to be one of the first transfers completed in the summer window.
Analysis: Why investing in Delap looks a smart move
Sky Sports' Peter Smith:
"Liam Delap could be the bargain buy of the summer.
"The striker has hit double figures for goals in his first full crack at the Premier League and that is even more impressive considering the struggles his relegated Ipswich have had at this level.
"He has been the driving force to their attack, scoring from all angles and distances while also hauling the team up the pitch with his runs with and without the ball. It's this range of skills which makes him stand out.
"A frontman with the ability to hold up the ball while also rank among the top 25 Premier League players for take-ons is a rare thing. His overperformance of his Expected Goals total demonstrates his finishing ability. Delap is ready for the next step.
"Where that will be and how Delap would fit into a different system is intriguing. But it is no wonder there is big interest in the 22-year-old England youth international.
"His £30m release clause fee is way below the quoted price tag for some strikers on the continent linked with a move to the Premier League who would be something more of a risk. Investing in Delap appears to be a smart move."
Could Man Utd sign Delap and Cunha?
Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is another of United's top targets this summer.
A transfer for Cunha could also be done early because he has a £64m release clause in his contract.
Cunha has given United positive indications that he is interested in joining them from Wolves, Sky Sports News reported in April, despite competition from Premier League clubs.
One source has told Sky Sports News the 25-year-old "loves United".
Cunha thinks United are one of the biggest clubs in the world and their current Premier League position would not put him off a potential move to Old Trafford.
Arsenal and Aston Villa are among the clubs that have held exploratory talks about signing the Brazil international this year.
Saudi Pro League clubs are also now willing to trigger his £64m release clause.
