Chelsea are reportedly facing an uphill battle in their quest to secure the services of Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with Manchester United now emerging as the clear favourites to sign the promising striker. The former Manchester City player, who made the move to Ipswich for approximately £20 million last summer, has impressed with a commendable tally of 12 goals and two assists in 30 Premier League appearances this season.
Despite initial reports pegging Chelsea as ‘firm favourites’ to sign the England Under-21 international, particularly as Ipswich seem poised for relegation, ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney has suggested otherwise. Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney expressed his belief that Delap is “nailed on” to join Manchester United, a move that he feels would guarantee the young forward regular playing time and instant impact.
“If I were advising him, Manchester United is the obvious choice,” Deeney remarked. “He’d start every week there and would immediately strengthen the squad.”
Delap’s breakthrough campaign at Ipswich has caught the attention of nearly half of Premier League clubs, as per sources, setting up a potential summer transfer merry-go-round. However, Deeney highlighted a concern, noting that Delap still has room to mature, particularly regarding his temperament on the pitch. “I watched him earlier in the season against Everton. He got caught up trying to outmuscle Tarkowski. With time, his maturity will develop,” Deeney commented.
Manchester United, currently on the hunt for a new frontman following disappointing displays from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, appear keen to bolster their attacking options with Delap.
Amid all the speculation, Delap himself remains focused on his current commitments at Ipswich. “I’m really enjoying my time here,” Delap stated last month, emphasising his desire to sideline transfer talks until the season concludes.
However, the allure of a move to a club of Manchester United’s stature may prove too tempting for the young striker to resist, leaving Chelsea potentially out in the cold in the pursuit of one of the Premier League’s rising stars.
Where do you think Liam Delap will play for next summer?
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