Man United hold “face-to-face talks” for Liam Delap – The Athletic | OneFootball

Manchester United have held direct talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap over a switch to Old Trafford this summer alongside a move for Matheus Cunha, according to a report.

Laurie Whitwell (The Athletic) reveals Delap, 22, was “given permission” by Ipswich to travel to Manchester for “face-to-face talks” with United executives over “what a transfer to Old Trafford would entail.”

The English striker is available for £30 million due to a relegation clause in his contract at Portman Road.

He has scored 12 goals and provided two assists for the Tractor Boys – a modest amount on first glance, but a quietly impressive return for a promoted side destined for a return to the Championship before a ball was kicked this season.

Delap’s skillset as a complete forward in the mould of an old-school number nine, combined with a favourable price and wage demands, has made the 22-year-old one of the most highly-sought after prospects in England.

A host of clubs across the Premier League are interested in him, with Chelsea and Newcastle thought to be the main rivals to United.

Whitwell reveals “Delap is expected to enter meaningful discussions with all suitors before taking time to decide his move.”

This includes the Blues who believe Enzo Maresca’s pre-existing relationship with the striker could prove key to their pursuit of Delap, after the pair’s shared time in Manchester City’s academy.

Interestingly, Whitwell reveals United’s pursuit of Delap, along with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Cunha, is viable “irrespective of how Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur goes”.

The reporter states a deal for Cunha, 25, is progressing with an agreement with Wolves expected to be a “relative formality” as the Midlands side are “open” to negotiations.

Many reports had suggested an overhaul of Ruben Amorim’s squad would be dependent on Champions League football as the financial situation at Old Trafford is a fraught one due to PSR pressures.

Tweet: “#MUFC hold face-to-face talks with Liam Delap, granted permission by Ipswich. Delap to discuss transfer with all suitors, including Chelsea, before making call. United also advancing move for Matheus Cunha. Release clause payable in three instalments.”

Yet United appear ready to strike not once but twice on Premier League proven forwards as the club targets the fundamental area of weakness in Amorim’s team – goals, or a lack thereof.

Featured image Richard Pelham via Getty Images

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