Newcastle United plot Man Utd transfer hijack as Magpies 'hold positive talks' with 'monster' £40m target

Manchester United are in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer as they look to address their issues in front of goal.

The Red Devils are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table and are already guaranteed their worst points return in the Premier League era while they are on course for their lowest-ever finish also.

They have scored just 38 goals in 33 games, with only Everton and West Ham United having a worse record from sides outside of the relegation zone. Amorim is keen to bolster his attack this summer and those plans could be made easier if United win the Europa League. The Red Devils have reached the semi-finals of the competition and will earn a big boost in revenue and a spot in the Champions League if they win the tournament.

As things stand, the Old Trafford hierarchy are planning for the transfer window with the anticipation of no European football. Incomings will rely on player sales but one or two arrivals could be financed without exits.

Newcastle eye Man United target Liam Delap

Manchester World has reported previously that Ipswich Town striker and Manchester City academy graduate Liam Delap is United’s prime striker target this summer while Matheus Cunha of Wolves is also being eyed to bolster their attacking midfield options.

Delap has a release clause of £40m in his Ipswich contract but that could drop to £30m this weekend if the Tractor Boys are relegated from the Premier League. Newcastle play Ipswich this weekend and ahead of that clash it has been reported by TEAMtalk that Magpies boss Eddie Howe has held talks with the striker about a potential switch to the north east. Newcastle’s talks with Delap’s representatives have been described as “very positive”.

United are planning to sign Delap but Newcastle could now look to hijack that move. The north east club are set to lose Callum Wilson on a free transfer this summer as his contract comes to an end while star forward Alexander Isak is attracting interest from a number of clubs and could leave if a big bid is made.

Liam Delap praised from all quarters this season

Delap has scored 12 goals and provided two assists for Ipswich in the Premier League this season. He is the son of former Stoke City player Rory Delap. Record Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer has been one of may within the game to issue praise for the player. He said in January after Ipswich drew 2-2 at Fulham: "As a centre-forward, I always said to myself that you have to be aggressive. You have to come off the pitch and ask yourself if you've give the centre-halves a tough afternoon. There is no doubt that he can say that after this game.

"He held the ball up, he ran in behind and when his team were under pressure he won free-kicks to ease that pressure. He was a nuisance to play against. I loved his aggression right from the off. He has got eight goals this season and Ipswich have only scored 20 themselves. That tells you how impressive he has been. You've got a really confident, young footballer who is only going to get better.”

Delap has been linked with Chelsea, and Enzo Maresca said of him earlier this month: "He’s already a good player, he’s already a very good player and he can be a top player. It depends on him but he is doing well at Ipswich and all the best to him. In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic. I think he’s scored 12 goals already. It’s not just in terms of his numbers. The way he plays and fights and is always there."

Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer said: "You look at him and he’s a monster. He’s a young lad that’s got the enthusiasm and energy – and also the talent.”