Man United set sights on 45 Goals/Assist Premier League striker this season after being dealt surprise Delap blow as they have ‘concrete interest’ to sign him -Reports

Man United set sights on 45 Goals/Assist Premier League striker this season after being dealt surprise Delap blow as they have ‘concrete interest’ to sign him -Reports

Manchester United had placed Liam Delap atop their summer striker shortlist – but recent developments may have forced them to reconsider the options at hand

Indeed, the Ipswich Town frontman is garnering a lengthy list of suitors after enjoying a stellar personal campaign as a regular top-flight starter for the first time.

He has notched 12 goals in 30 appearances thus far, although his best efforts have not been able to prevent the Tractor Boys from falling victim to the dreaded drop, with them currently sitting 12 points adrift of safety.

Assuming Ipswich’s fate lies in the Championship in 2025/2026, Delap is expected to be on the move this summer, with their prospective relegation opening up a clause in his deal that allows him to leave for just £30 million making it no surprise the likes of United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are all interested.

However, the Red Devils have been dealt a considerable blow in comparison to the other clubs in the race after reports suggested the 22-year-old had ‘prioritised’ European football for next term – something United cannot offer unless they reign victorious in the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League that way.

As such, GiveMeSport claims alternative options are being considered by INEOS chiefs at Old Trafford in the event they’re unable to convince Delap of an M16 switch. Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is thought to be under consideration.

The Frenchman, 27, has recorded 45 G/A (37 goals and eight assists) in 122 Premier League appearances and has been influential for Oliver Glasner in a superb second half of the season at Selhurst Park.

United are said to hold ‘concrete interest’ in Mateta, for whom the Eagles will demand upwards of £50 million to sanction the sale of their star man.

After Mateta scored both goals in a 2-0 win over United in Manchester on February 2, Glasner said of his trusted lieutenant: “We don’t always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box.

“He has the feeling that a number nine must-have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us