I’ve met Liam Delap and it will be interesting to see where he departs Ipswich Town for now | OneFootball

Tony Pulis reflects on Liam Delap’s rise amidst Premier League interest from Man United and Chelsea.

With Liam Delap reportedly leaning towards a move to Manchester United amid Premier League interest from both United and Chelsea, former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has offered rare insight into the young striker’s mentality, development, and future prospects.

Speaking to OLBG, Pulis reflected on his close ties to the Delap family and suggested that a permanent stay at Ipswich Town, where the forward despite a Premier League relegation, should not be ruled out.

Pulis praised Delap’s character, work ethic, and grounding, while emphasising the importance of choosing the right next step in his career.

With a reported £30 million release clause at Ipswich, top-flight clubs are circling - but for Pulis, the Championship still represents a valuable developmental environment for the 22-year-old.

Liam Delap could stay at Ipswich despite interest from Chelsea and Man United

“Liam was a mascot actually at Stoke for one game I can remember, and I've met him,” Pulis told OLBG.

“I've been to the house a couple of times and met him. They're a lovely family. Liam's got that determination and that will to win, and he gets that from his mother, not his father. Helen would be pleased with that. But no, no, he's done fantastic.

“It'll be interesting to see which club he picks. That'll be so, so important. I'm sure he'll talk to mum and dad about that. But he's progressed as it's gone along. Obviously, he got into the Man City team quite early, added the spell where he scored a few goals, came back out, went on loan, didn't do as well on loan as people thought he was going to do initially.

“But he certainly is. Struck a light at Ipswich and has shown people that he's always in between the posts. If there's a ball coming into the box, good strikers are always between those goal posts and he gets there. And when he's there, he's such a strong lad and his technique is good.

“He can finish first time or have two touches, his feet are quick enough. I wouldn't like to mark him because he's non-stop. He's a real handful.

“He's still a very, very young lad, and he's playing in the hardest position on the football field. So you've got to be careful with him. But like I say, he's been brought up properly. Mum and Dad are fantastic people, and he's very grounded.

“There's no edge to him whatsoever until he gets on the football field. Then he is very, very competitive. Rory and Helen will look after him. The two of them will make sure that he stays grounded.

“I just think it's important for him that the next move is really important unless he wants to stay with Ipswich and have another season playing in the Championship and help them get back into the Premier League.”

Tony Pulis backs Liam Delap’s rise - and warns his next move is crucial

Pulis’s remarks come at a pivotal moment in Delap’s career: the striker finds himself, this summer, on the radar of England’s elite.

But with top-flight expectations comes pressure - and Pulis believes that Delap’s long-term success will hinge not only on raw talent, but on making the right decision now.

Whether that means joining Manchester United, heading to Stamford Bridge, or continuing his Ipswich rise at Portman Road, Pulis is confident that Delap has the maturity, competitive drive, and support system to thrive.

The next move, however, will be critical in shaping the trajectory of one of English football’s most promising young forwards.