Athletic journo reveals which Man Utd target is now the most ‘genuine’, he could transform Amorim’s side | OneFootball

Bolstering the forward department is a non-negotiable for INEOS this summer.

While there are still hopes the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee will turn into prolific goalscorers in the not-so-distant future, they look pretty far from it right now, and it’s one role that, if gotten right, could completely transform Ruben Amorim’s squad.

Alas, Manchester United have been linked with a host of options, with three names, in recent weeks, standing out more than others: Liam Delap, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres.

All three are widely expected to be leaving their respective clubs in the coming months, with Old Trafford mooted as a potential destination for each.

Osimhen is perhaps the most renowned frontman of the trio due to his longevity in Europe, where he established himself as a world-class No.9 in the final stages of his Lille tenure and at Napoli. Such scintillating form has only continued during his loan spell with Galatasaray, but they do not have the option of making his deal permanent upon the culmination of the season.

Delap leapfrogs Osimhen and Gyokeres to take top spot on INEOS’ shortlist

Delap has been one bright spark during Ipswich’s tumultuous campaign thus far. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

As for Gyokeres, who’s notched 44 goals and 11 assists in 44 games this term, his links with United only became more prevalent after Ruben Amorim’s move from Sporting Lisbon. Fans hoped their new boss would be able to use his relationship with the Swede to his advantage by convincing him to sign for the 20-time champions when the window opened.

However, talk of such a transfer taking place has died down in recent weeks, primarily because the 26-year-old is adamant about playing Champions League football, something United are simply unable to offer their targets unless they reign victorious in the Europa League.

That leaves Ipswich Town talisman Delap – a 22-year-old up-and-coming star who’s attracted interest from United and Chelsea.

It seems as though a deal to sanction his arrival would be relatively straightforward, as his contract contains a £40m release clause in the event the Tractor Boys fall victim to the dreaded drop. Given they’re 18th-placed and 12 points adrift of safety, Kieran McKenna and Co. will presumably be planning for 2025/2026 without the Manchester City graduate.

Delap has scored 12 Premier League goals thus far – a hugely impressive tally to say it’s his first campaign as a nailed-on starter.

Weighing in on the current state of United’s transfer affairs, The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell told The Overlap Breakdown this week: “Delap is someone who is a genuine link. [Jason] Wilcox had him when Manchester City signed him from Derby County as a young player, so that is something that they could explore, and that’s something that could make sense financially because I believe Delap has a relegation release clause.

“Something like £40 million, that sounds like a palpable amount for a 22-year-old who’s now got 12 Premier League goals in his first season

“Do they want to try and go for someone who’s actually a bit more experienced and has that goalscoring record, I’m told Victor Gyokeres is unlikely, obviously Arsenal have been linked with him.

“I wonder if he’s setting his sights on a team that’s definitely in the Champions League and can compete for titles. He’s got that relationship with Amorim.”

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