Manchester United are almost solely focusing on next season with just the Europa League keeping Ruben Amorim from spending his entire time looking at transfers.
The 2024/25 Premier League season has been nothing short of abysmal and while Europa League triumph would add a little gloss for years to come, it won't be forgotten by United fans just how dire this season has been at times. One of their main problem areas has been rotting for 13 years now - their strikeforce.
Since signing Robin van Persie for a measly £24m (now equating to roughly £34m in this day and age), United have consistently got it wrong when it comes to adding strikers to their attack.
They have seemingly tried everything to address this signing big names (Cristiano Ronaldo, Alexis Sanchez), up and coming stars (Rasmus Hojlund, Memphis Depay) but they have failed to find value for money like the ex-Arsenal man.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival was their closest to doing that since in 2016 when he arrived on a free transfer. However, while his goals return of 29 in 53 appearances was respectable, his £367,000 per week wage demanded more.
Now in 2025, United are looking to buck that rotten trend by targeting Liam Delap. MEN Sport understands the Ipswich Town centre-forward is one of the club's top priorities alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha.
It is believed that once Ipswich's almost certain relegation is confirmed, United would be able to activate a £30m release clause in his contract. Delap, 22, fits the model signing that Ineos want to make - low cost and high potential.
This season, he has bagged 12 goals in the Premier League in a perceived weaker Ipswich team and yet has still scored double in the top flight than Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee put together.
This perhaps speaks volumes for how poor it has been for the Reds this season going forward.
The exact figure that Delap would be earning at United is highly unlikely to be near the figures spent on Van Persie and Ibrahimovic so the £30m fee could prove to be a bargain in the current climate.
The former Manchester City man remains a risky transfer considering this is his first full season as a Premier League player but it is a risk which is a lot more appealing thanks to the finances involved.
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