Man United target Liam Delap backed by manager to play for “biggest clubs in the world” | OneFootball

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna “fully believes” that Liam Delap could play for the biggest clubs in the world with Manchester United circling the striker as a priority target ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite Rasmus Hojlund breaking his dry spell with a goal against Bournemouth yesterday, Ruben Amorim remains on the lookout for more reliable options in front of goal.

And Ipswich’s talismanic forward has emerged as a very real possibility, not least as he would be a cheaper option than the likes of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

With the Tractor Boys’ immediate return to the Championship now confirmed, Delap will be available for just £30m this summer thanks to the relegation clause in his contract.

He has scored 12 goals in his first full season in the Premier League, and impressed in a struggling side who were always likely to find survival difficult.

Current boss McKenna, formerly a key man for the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a coach at United, has backed him to achieve big things.

As per the Manchester Evening News, McKenna said: “As I’ve said before, I think there’s certainly a possibility that he’s an Ipswich player next year. I don’t think anything’s decided in anyone’s mind.

“But can Liam play for the biggest clubs in the country, the biggest clubs in the world? He certainly can. I fully believe that.”

There promises to be a fierce battle for the player’s signature this summer; Chelsea are said to be confident of winning the race for Delap, but face competition not only from United but also Juventus, Newcastle United and Besiktas.

For McKenna, there is no surprise that so many clubs are chasing the former Manchester City youngster. He said: “He’s already shown the impact he can have at Premier League level in a team that have really been fighting for everything. I think he can have an outstanding impact at this level.

“He’s happy and he’s developing really well here. He has the potential. I think he will, in his career, go on to do some really, really good things.”

Whether those good things could include salvaging United’s forlorn frontline remains to be seen, with a deal for Osimhen still on the cards and Crystal Palace frontman Jean-Philippe Mateta also under consideration.

Featured image Richard Pelham via Getty Images

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