Liam Delap’s huge wage demands surface amid strong Manchester United interest | OneFootball

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is reportedly looking for a mammoth salary of up to £150,000 per week amidst strong links to Manchester United.

United have struggled to consistently score goals this season, netting just 39 goals in 34 Premier League matches. This tally places them among the lowest-scoring teams in the league, with only Leicester City (27 goals), Ipswich Town (33), and Everton (34) having fewer goals.

This marks one of United’s poorest attacking performances in recent history, with the club at risk of finishing a league season with fewer than 50 goals for only the second time since 1990.

United’s primary attacking options, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho, have been extremely underwhelming this term and there is an acceptance that upgrades in that department are needed ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are working on getting a deal for Matheus Cunha over the line but he is not the only one under consideration. Delap has been mentioned to be United’s top target for the striker position.

Despite Ipswich’s woes this season, the England youth international has been a standout performer, recording 12 goals and two assists across 33 Premier League appearances.

United are not the only party chasing him, with Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool, Juventus and Bayern Munich all believed to be eyeing him.

According to The Evening Chronicle, the Ipswich marksman is already preparing for a future away from Portman Road and wants a wage package of between £120,000 to £150,000 per week.

At £150,000 per week, Delap would be level on terms with Luke Shaw and Christian Eriksen, who is set to leave in June upon the expiry of his contract.

It remains to be seen whether these salary demands will deter United, especially with Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to trim the club’s wage bill. The INEOS billionaire has made it clear he won’t hesitate to walk away from deals that don’t align with his financial strategy.

Meanwhile, journalist Ben Jacobs recently revealed when Delap will make a final decision on where he wants to play.

Jacobs wrote on X, “Liam Delap’s £30m relegation release clause is now active. Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle among the clubs keen. Manchester City not expected to buy back. Leipzig and Leverkusen have made enquiries as well.”

“Delap is expected to prioritise European football. Whereas Matheus Cunha is prepared to join Manchester United without it, Delap is likely to wait and see who has what come the end of the season.”

“Still likely to be a quick transfer, as all suitors prepared to trigger the clause, and Delap expected to pick his next club before heading off to the Under-21 Championship.”

Delap is currently estimated to be earning around £20,000 gross per week, excluding bonuses.

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