Man Utd hope to add a striker to their squad in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United are set to miss out on the signature of Liam Delap in the summer transfer window. Ruben Amorim has prioritised the addition of a striker to his side with the Ipswich star identified as their preferred target for the role.
United believed the 22-year-old was an ideal fit for their style of play under the Portuguese head coach and represented great value for money due to his £30 million relegation release clause. Delap impressed with 12 goals and two assists as he lead the line for Ipswich in their first season back in the Premier League.
It is understood Delap has chosen to play for Chelsea after he also held talks with both Newcastle and Everton at the end of the season. The striker wanted his future to be decided before the U21 European Championship start next month, as England start their campaign against Czechia on 12 June.
Fabrizio Romano confirms transfer blow
Manchester United felt they had a good chance to sign Liam Delap this summer but were well aware that a move for the Ipswich star would hinge on Champions League qualification. United finished 15th in the Premier League and will be without European football next season after they lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League to secure Champions League qualification and also won the Conference League in midweek. They are expected to invest heavily in their side this summer with Delap the next key addition in their rebuild. "Chelsea are prepared to seal Liam Delap deal soon after positive talks with the striker again this week," Fabrizio Romano posted on Thursday afternoon. "Delap gives his preference to Chelsea project and now expected to follow with formal steps including £30m release clause to be triggered. Deal underway."
In a follow-up post, he added: "Chelsea are closing in on Liam Delap deal as details of the long term contract are being completed with his agents. Enzo Maresca appreciation + UCL football made the difference as Chelsea are set to activate £30m release clause. #CFC just wait for formal communication now."
It could be a similar story for United in their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, who has been offered the opportunity to play Champions League football with Newcastle next season. United have targeted players with Premier League experience as they look to improve the athleticism of their squad this summer but might struggle to convince targets to join them over rivals.
A deal for Matheus Cunha is close though, with the Wolves star sold on the vision presented to him at Old Trafford regardless of their lack of European football. The Brazilian is understood to relish the opportunity to play a key role in their revival under Ruben Amorim.
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