Manchester United have shortlisted one in-form Premier League frontman. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Manchester United will again take to the market in search of a centre-forward this summer despite shelling out over £100 million to bolster the position in the last two years.
Rasmus Hojlund (£64m) and Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5m) have not added to their accounts in the Premier League since the beginning of December, with both players mustering only combined five goals between them since 2024/2025 got underway.
Alas, it’s safe to say the pair are not at the calibre required to lead the line each week, particularly Hojlund, who occupies a more out-and-out No.9 role than his Dutch counterpart.
For United, getting the balance right between an up-and-coming young star and a prolific forward with a track record of providing the firepower up front is crucial – although they do have one name in mind.
Liam Delap is garnering widespread interest amid his maiden campaign in the top flight, which has seen him return 10 goals and two assists in 24 Premier League matches. Ipswich Town currently sit 18th-placed and are among the division’s major favourites to drop back down to the Championship after just one season, which may see them forced to cash in on their £20m summer acquisition.
United size up summer pursuit of Liam DelapÂ
Kieran McKenna’s side has netted only 23 times this campaign, meaning Delap has contributed – by scoring or creating – to just over half of his side’s total goals.
United and Chelsea are among Delap’s admirers thus far, with the latter already establishing their interest to the Tractor Boys in recent months.
iPaper Sport claims INEOS chiefs’ ‘priority’ is a player in their ‘early 20s with potential’. Delap, from their point of view, fits the bill.
He is said to be valued in the region of £40m – a direct £20m increase on what they paid Manchester City for him last July. However, their final fee is likely dependent on their Premier League status come May.
