Ipswich Town: Impact of Europa League final on Man United's Liam Delap interest revealed | OneFootball

Man United have been linked with a move for Liam Delap ahead of the summer transfer window

Manchester United’s pursuit of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap may depend on the outcome of their Europa League final clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

According to The Independent, advances have been made by the Premier League side in their bid to sign the Town forward.

Delap signed for the Tractor Boys last summer, but their relegation to the Championship has led to speculation over his future.

The 22-year-old has contributed 12 goals and two assists from 35 appearances in the top flight, with Kieran McKenna’s side already having their place in the bottom three confirmed with two games still to play.

Man United’s Liam Delap interest could depend on UEFA Europa League result

It is understood that Man United are prioritising the signing of a new striker this summer, with the club eyeing the possible sale of the misfiring Rasmus Hojlund.

Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford is also in question, which would open space for someone like Delap to come into the squad from Ipswich.

However, Man United’s finances will be impacted by the result of their Europa League final clash next week, and it’s reported that alternate plans are in place for either outcome.

Delap has a relegation release clause in his contract with a valuation of £30 million, but Man United also face competition from both Chelsea and Newcastle United.

It’s been claimed that an existing relationship between the club’s technical director Jason Wilcox and the player might help the Red Devils win the race for his signature this summer.

Liam Delap’s importance to Ipswich Town

Delap proved a crucial figure for Ipswich this season amid their struggles for form in the Premier League.

The forward arrived from Manchester City last summer in a total deal worth £20 million, via the BBC.

He scored in wins over Spurs, Chelsea and Bournemouth, but that proved not enough as McKenna’s side have suffered the drop straight back to the Championship after just one season in the top flight.

Man United’s Europa League final clash with Tottenham takes place on 21 May in Bilbao.

Liam Delap departure is inevitable for Ipswich Town, it's just a case of where his destination is

If Man United lose the final to Spurs, and thus struggle to sign Delap, then Chelsea and Newcastle will both be waiting in the wings to swoop regardless.

This is the consequence of relegation for Ipswich, and it is surely inevitable that the forward will depart after just one year.

He performed well in the Premier League, and scored crucial goals, so will be fondly remembered by supporters.

Nobody could begrudge him a move to a club like Man United, even if they are struggling for form in the league themselves at the minute, and this is just the reality of the transfer market.