Ornstein: United dealt substantial blow just three days before window opens, INEOS will have to go back to drawing board | OneFootball

Liam Delap’s Premier League suitors have today been made aware that he wants to join Chelsea, as confirmed by transfer expert David Ornstein.

Manchester United, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United were all hoping to reign victorious in their attempts to sign the Ipswich Town talisman, who is preparing to make the move to Stamford Bridge after one season at Portman Road.

Why Liam Delap has snubbed United in favour of Chelsea

Manchester United will have to consider Liam Delap alternatives. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Unfortunately for the Red Devils, they were entering the window – which opens this Sunday, June 1 – with Delap as their first-choice target to lead the line next season, prioritising him over the likes of Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, who are now getting ready for transfers of their own.

As expected, United’s failure to secure Champions League qualification following last Wednesday’s Europa League final heartbreak saw their chances of signing numerous sought-after targets scuppered.

Most players are adamant about competing in Europe in some form, and United’s dismal 15th-placed finish ensured there’d be no European nights at Old Trafford in 2025/2026.

What next for INEOS?

It remains to be seen where INEOS chiefs will turn from here. They are on the cusp of welcoming Matheus Cunha to the squad, having activated his £62.5 million release clause, whilst United have also been heavily linked with £50m-rated Bryan Mbeumo  of Brentford— although neither is a natural, out-and-out centre-forward.

Entering a new term with Rasmus Hojlund up front will be far from ideal for Ruben Amorim, who had to watch on from the dugout this season as the Dane missed chance after chance, week in and week out.

He ended 2024/2025 with six fewer goals (four) than he’d mustered in 2023/2024 (10), prompting concerns that he’d regressed in his sophomore year in England.

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